Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I read some other questions regarding bugs on asparagus ferns, but they all pertained to an orb weaving insect. My problem is with little gnat-like insects that fly. They are black, very tiny and slow. The plant is on my shelf in an office building and is potted in Terra Cotta.

What are they and how do I get rid of them?

Thank you

ANSWER: Jackie,

It sounds like fungus gnats to me. That is the only tiny black flying insects that I know of. The bugs are fungus gnats and are there because the plant is being overwatered and the roots are rotting and the fungus gnats are feeding on the rotting roots like they go after overripe bananas on a kitchen counter. You need to dry out the plant and keep it on the dry side for the next several weeks. You can water it once with rubbing alcohol and it will kill any fungus gnats in the soil that are feeeding on the roots. It will quickly dry out from that and then you should keep the plant dryer in the future. Water it less than you have and empty the drain tray so it is not sitting in a tray of water constanntly or you will end up with the same probleem again. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Darlene,

I am not quite sure how much rubbing alcohol to add to the plant. I put in about 4 capfulls fr the bottle so about 3-4 teaspoons. Isthat enough? Should I change the soil as well? If the gnats are hanging out on the actual arms/fronds/branches if the plant, should I do somehing else?

I really do appreciate your help regarding my infestation.

Thanks again,
Jackie

Answer
Jackie,

You should water it with as much rubbing alcohol as you would water. If you give it a cup of water when you water it then give it a cup of rubbing alcohol. Then 1/2 hour later empty the drain tray of the plant and let the plant dry out. Then keep it a lot dryer. Once you have watered the soil with the alcohol it will make it uninhabitable for the gnats that are flying around and they will go away. You will not need to do anything else except keep the plant dryer so the roots do not rot. Overwatering kills more plants than underwatering does. Good luck.

Darlene