Question
I have many house plants some I have had for 10-12 years I have a few that have fling bugs but they are not white the are black small like knats. they live in the soil they have moved to other plants and stay around the plant area nears the wall and stand. Also My one plant it is Ivy I have had it 12 years and it use to very healthy it is now turning yellow the vines are thining and it is not full what can I do? Is it possible it is rootbound?  I transplanted it about 5 years ago.The vines are yellow too.
Angelique

Answer
Hi Angelique
What you have are called 'soil gnats'  They breed and live in the fungus that grows in the soil.  There are a couple of things you can do-one is to allow the soil to dry out completely.  This way they will not have anything to live off of.  You can also mix together into a spray bottle rubbing alcohol, dish soap and water and mist the plants with this.  Fill the spray bottle with water and then put about 1-2 tsps. each of alcohol and dish soap-shake up and spray the soil area of ALL your plants.  You cam also pour a bit into the soil itself.  You can also buy a plant bug spray at wherever they sell plant supplies-this others is cheaper and works just as well though.  Do make sure you get all your plants though.
As far as your ivy goes, it may be rootbound.  Is it an English Ivy?  Check out the bottom of the pot to see if you have roots growing out from there.
If you do re pot the plant, do not go more than 2" in size, i.e., if it is in a 6" pot, do not go any larger than an 8" pot.  If you go too large, the plant concentrates on filling the pot with root system and it takes away from the health of the plant.
Also, be sure to water with Vitamin B-1 after re-potting to keep the roots from going into shock.
Good Luck Angelique
Leslie