Little flies in soil

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Mrs T, Jan 4, 2008.

  1. Mrs T

    Mrs T Apprentice Gardener

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    Wonder if anyone can help, I have some plants in pots and have noticed that there are lots of tiny little 'flies' in the soil....what are they and how do I get rid of them??

    Thanks
     
  2. PeterS

    PeterS Total Gardener

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  3. Sarraceniac

    Sarraceniac Gardener

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    Peter is almost certainly right Mrs T. I got a bad attack by them last winter when I brought a lot of baby palms into the house. Didn't actually do any harm just annoying. A general flying insect spray eventually shifted them. I got mine from Wilko's.
     
  4. strongylodon

    strongylodon Old Member

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    If they are in or on the soil it could be Scariad fly, the tell tale signs are silvery trails on the soil surface and small white grubs just below. Provado can be used for this problem although it is sold as a Vine Weevil pesticide.
     
  5. walnut

    walnut Gardener

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    Agree with Strongy sounds like scariad flies, if you don't want to use chemicals water the plants from the bottom keep the compost dry on top, also you can put a fine layer of dry sand on top of the compost this prevents them laying their eggs and consequently there's none of the little grubs that do the damage.
     
  6. Mrs T

    Mrs T Apprentice Gardener

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