0
These black flying critters are called fungus gnats and pose a three part problem for you: adult, larvae and eggs. The adults like to lay their eggs in the moist soil of your houseplants and when they hatch the larvae eat the roots. The most non-toxic way of controlling these gnats is to eliminate the adults as they leave the soil and mature from larvae thus preventing them from returning to the soil to lay more eggs. You can use several different non-chemical methods if you have the patience.
I have done this by placing little saucers (I use jar lids) filled with distilled white vinegar around all the houseplants-don't be stingy. The adult gnats are attracted to the liquid and drown. This may take a week to get all the adults as they emerge from eggs and larvae already in the soil.
Another non-toxic method is to spread a minimum of 1/2 inch of sand on top of the soil of all the houseplants. This prevents adults from returning to the soil to lay eggs. Again this may take a week to be rid of all the gnats as their life cycle plays out.
Yellow sticky traps from almost any garden center (or internet order) are another method of catching the adults as they emerge and preventing more eggs from being laid.
Going easy on the water for your plant also should help control the problem. These gnats thrive in wet soil. If your plant can stand a little dry out this may be the easiest method for you. I have put an elephant ear plant infested with these gnats in my hot garage for about a week without water and brought it back in the house gnat free.
Some other methods I've read about but not tried include introducing beneficial nematodes to the soil and using a product called BTI.
What else can I help you with?
Do mint plants survive the winter?
Mint plants in containers will not survive the winter, but those planted in the ground will come back in the spring. They can also be brought indoors for the winter.
Can impatiens be brought indoors in the winter?
Yes.
Can bougainvillea survive winter?
Bougainvillea plants can survive winter in mild climates, but they may need protection or be brought indoors in colder regions to prevent damage from frost.
Can Portulaca survive winter?
Portulaca plants are typically annuals and do not survive winter in cold climates. They are sensitive to frost and prefer warm temperatures. In colder regions, they are often grown as annuals or brought indoors during the winter months.
Will deciduous trees drop their leaves if brought indoors for the winter?
Yes, they will drop their leaves anyway.
Can a succulent plant live indoors during the winter?
Yes, succulent plants can live indoors during the winter. Just be sure it gets enough sunlight and do not water it too much.
What herb plants can be moved indoors in the winter and still survive?
Mint and parsley will live happily in a pot on the windowsill all winter long. Rosemary and lavender can also be brought indoors as the weather cools and should last the winter if not overwatered. Chives survive well in a sunny window, and cuttings of scented geraniums and garden sage will also thrive indoors. Oregano is another herb which can grow well in a pot during the winter. Be sure to pot your herbs several weeks before the first frost and leave them outside so they may adjust to the shock of transplant before being moved indoors.
Do they grow oranges in New York?
YES! If planted in a pot and brought indoors for the winter. As long as the tree is small enough to fit in a large bay window it will do fine all winter long.
Can lotus plants sevive winter freeze?
Lotus plants are typically sensitive to freezing temperatures and may not survive winter freeze. They require a warm and temperate climate to thrive. If you live in an area with cold winters, it is advisable to protect your lotus plants by moving them indoors or providing appropriate insulation.
What kind of flower is resistant to the winter weather that I can buy as a gift?
Several flowers and plants can be placed indoors during the winter months and will bloom. The Christmas Cactus and Kalanchoe Plant can be found at florists and will thrive and bloom during the winter months.
What are the release dates for Indoors Out - 2008 Winter Parlor - 1.9?
Indoors Out - 2008 Winter Parlor - 1.9 was released on: USA: 28 May 2008
How can Mint survive the winter season?
Mint can survive the winter season by being planted in well-drained soil, mulched to protect its roots, and placed in a sheltered location with some sunlight. It can also be brought indoors or grown in pots to protect it from harsh winter conditions.
