Scarid / gnats

[TracyP]

Hi
I posted recently about having these wee flies in the house and it was suggested that they were scarid (spelling) or gnats. I have tried some of the solutions - a vinegar mixture to drown them and the UV zapping device to no avail, so the final solution seems to be Provado Vine Weevil Killer. I bought some, but to my dismay it says that it shouldn't be used on edible plants... But most of my indoor plant life is my precious seedlings!!! I am quite prepared to sacrifice my normal indoor plants.

Plleeease, can anyone help me, as I'm getting quite upset at these horrible wee flies but don't want to throw away my seedlings

Thanks!

[TracyP]

Hi me again
Also just wondering if I should move my seedlings to my (unheated) greenhouse. Would this kill them off at this stage and old this discourage the flies from the house? Are these things actually harmful to the plant? Some are still waiting to sprout and others are small seedlings

Thanks

[Cutecumber]

I'm afraid sciarid flies come with the territory! They like warm damp compost. The flies won't be killed off in the greenhouse, I'm afraid. What are your seedlings?

The flies are unlikely to be harmful to a healthy plant thought their offspring can cause damage to roots and seedlings. I expect they came from your established indoor plants and moved to the seedlings.

A biological solution is available - a nematode that feeds on the young fly larvae in the soil. You water it on and they go to work. It isn't cheap and only available in quite a large quantity, but it's an option if you are really concerned.

I choose to put up with the little blighters myself. Once your plants go outside - if they do - your problems should reduce.

[marialittlebzz]

I have the same problem, but at the moment it is quite manageable...the larvae are in the first inches of soil so I just squash them and then put a thick layer of sand...it's on houseplant though, don't know for seedlings... but it prevent the female to get to the soil and lay eggs. Then for the rest of the time I am hunting the adults with my soapy spray
I would recommend to try the sand as it really stopped the proliferation in my case!

[wormlady]

Neem oil will work on these. You just drench the soil and that should clear them up.
Go to Home and look for garden neem, its also fab for aphids, spider mites and all manner of other stuff too, and wont harm beneficial insects and is organic. (Honest I dont work for these guys despite always posting about how great it is!)