Fruit Flies vs. Whiteflies on New Tropical Houseplants

Likely Whiteflies, Not Fruit Flies

Tiny white insects emerging from soil of recently purchased plants are usually whitefly larvae, not fruit flies. Nursery soil often harbors eggs.

Solution: Soil Replacement

1. Remove plant from pot.
2. Gently shake off all soil.
3. Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix.
4. Quarantine 2 weeks; monitor for adults.

Prevention

Always repot new plants before bringing indoors. Yellow sticky traps catch adults and monitor infestation levels.