Do your outdoor plants look like they’re being invaded by little flies? If so, you may be dealing with fungus gnats. Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored flies that measure in at around 1/8th of an inch in length. They have slender bodies and long legs, and they’re often mistaken for fruit flies.
Fungus gnats are typically found near areas with high humidity and moisture levels. As their name implies, they’re attracted to moist soil, which is why they often congregate around outdoor plants. They lay their eggs in the soil near the roots of the plants, where they can feed on fungi and other organic material found there.
When it comes to controlling fungus gnats, prevention is key. If you have outdoor plants that are prone to attracting these pesky pests, it’s important to keep the soil dry by avoiding overwatering or using mulch or other materials that can hold moisture. You should also make sure to remove any dead leaves or stems from your plants as these can provide a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnats.
If your outdoor plants are already infested with fungus gnats, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them:
- Remove any mulch or other organic material around the plant.
- Drench the soil with a neem oil solution.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant.
- Introduce predator insects such as parasitic nematodes or predatory mites into your garden.
These methods should help you get rid of any existing fungus gnat infestations and prevent new ones from occurring in the future. In addition to these methods, it’s also important to regularly inspect your outdoor plants for signs of infestation and take action if you see any signs of these little flies.
Conclusion
The small flies on your outdoor plants are likely fungus gnats – tiny pests that are attracted to moist soil and organic material around the base of a plant.
To control them, practice good watering habits and remove any mulch or dead leaves from the area. You can also use neem oil solutions, diatomaceous earth or introduce predator insects such as parasitic nematodes or predatory mites into your garden.
