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Fix kit

Fungus gnats

Tiny dark flies around the pot are usually fungus gnats. The adults are a nuisance; their larvae live in constantly moist potting mix.

What to do

  1. 1 Let the top of the potting mix dry out between waterings and empty the saucer. Constantly wet mix is what gnat larvae need.
  2. 2 Hang or stick yellow sticky traps by the pot to catch adults and see how many are around.
  3. 3 Treat the mix for larvae with a Bti product (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), repeating as the label says.
  4. 4 Clear dead leaves off the soil, and use fresh, sterile mix when you repot.

Sources: UC IPM: Fungus gnats

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