Question
Would these bugs also cause mold on top of the soil in the pots or is that something else?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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I have a few plants that have these tiny black flying bugs on them or around them.  What are they? and how do I get rid of them?  I first noticed them because I couldn't figure out why my cat just sat in front of the pot and stared.  Then I started noticing specks of soil around the pot on the floor.  So when I investigated further this is what I found.  Do they spread to other plants?  I hope you can help me.

Lisa
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Lisa,

Answer: Terri,

I suspect they are the larval stage of either fungus gnats . They are there because you are keeping your plants too wet. The roots are beginning to rot and attracting the fungus gnats. These are the same gnats that gather around rotting fruit left on your counter.

The plants need to dry out well between waterings. Remove the drain tray and set them in the sink for the day or overnight to drain as much water as possible off.

Then set them aside and water them  with a bottle of rubbing alcohol. That will kill the larva in the soil. Then do not water them again until they are dry and feel light weight if you pick them up or tip them.

They will not infect your other plants unless you are also overwatering them. Most plants need to get fairly dry before being watered. Too much water will rot the roots and cause them to be attacked by these insects.

When you repot the plants in the future add extra perlite to the pottimg soil so the soil will drain faster and you won't have the problem.

I need to know what kind of houseplants you have to give you more specific answers. Good luck.

Darlene


Answer
Lisa,

The bugs are not causing the mold but the overwatering is. Follow the same instructions and dry the plants out and the mold will go away. You can spray the surface of the soil with Lysol Spray and it will kill the mold but if you overwater it will com back. Be very careful to let your plants dry out between waterings so the fungus gnats and mold will go away. Good luck.

Darlene