Question
Hi there,
 I have about 15 house plants including cacti and succulents. I have a problem with little gnats in my house. I have never had this problem before but resently I have gotten a few new plants. One of which is a large aloe. Tonight I noticed what looked like tiny white cotten puffs on the plant. When I looked really closely it looked like some of the white puffs could be some sort of insect. They were not moving..at least noticabally. I washed them off and now the plant is clear. I have read a little on the internet about different pests but I'm a little confused. I thought that the gnats might be fungus gnats but could these be the same pests on my aloe. So far I have noticed no plant damage and I would like a way to get rid of the gnats and/or possible other pests that is natural. Thanks for the help!

Answer
Pearlie,

The gnats are probably fungus gnats that come from a plant that is too wet and either the roots are rotting or the potting soil is peat based and attracting the fungus gnats. These ore the same kind of gnats attracted to a rotten apple or banana on your counter. Dry the plant out and it will not attract fungus gnats.  Next time you repot any plants mix extra perlite in with the potting soil and the plants will dry out faster and not attract fungus gnats.

The bugs on your aloe are mealy bugs. They are common on many succulents.  They are usually found on the joints where leaves connect with stems as in jades or on leaves in aloes.  They are a sucking insect and do more damage than it appears.  If some show up again use a Qtip soaked in rubbing alcohol to get them off. Inspect it regularly for awhile as eggs will be hatching. You can also spray the plant with rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Good luck.

Darlene