[IBC] Tiny Bugs
 

In a message dated 5/21/05 12:04:56 AM, Dave writes:
I am now noticing tiny flea-like bugs that fly around and also are on the
surface of the soil. When the plant is moved they will sometimes fly off the
soil and around the tree.
Perhaps I am over watering the seeds and seedlings and this is attracting
bugs.

You answered your own question. What you have are fungus gnats. The larvae
live in the soil. Although they may damage some roots, their presence is more
significant of other problems (like E. coli in the drinking water). Your soil is
too soggy. Either you are grossly overwatering or your soil contains too much
organic matter, particularly peat moss. Water less often and use a potting
mix with more gravel and Turface (or other calcined clay product). For your
seedlings use sand or perlite. To eliminate the present infestation, use a soil
insecticide.
Iris


I seem to have the same problem too. I use liquid organic fertilizer; can that be causing the fungus
gnats too?

Gary
Zone 7

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In a message dated 5/21/2005 8:21:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

I seem to have the same problem too. I use liquid organic fertilizer; can
that be causing the fungus
gnats too?

Gary
Zone 7

The fertilizer will not cause the gnats but it may encourage them. As
Iris says the gnats are a symptom of too much water and/or poorly drained
soil.
Repotting in a better draining soil is the best solution, followed by better
watering practices. You can just reduce water and try a liquid insecticide
that will kill the larva in the soil. But, if the soil is worn out and compacted
the problem will continue.
Once you see the gnats flying the problem is serious because the real
damage is done by the larva in the soil before the flies emerge. The damage
is also done by the over watering which can/will result in root rot. That is
why we repot.
(Worn out soil. Our soils contain organic elements that break down as well as
inorganics such as perlite and vermiculite that break down. As these elements
break down into smaller particles the soil doesn't drain as well or contain
enough air spaces so root rot is encouraged.)
Billy on the Florida Space Coast

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++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Gary Huff wrote:
In a message dated 5/21/05 12:04:56 AM, Dave writes:
I am now noticing tiny flea-like bugs that fly around and also are on the
surface of the soil. When the plant is moved they will sometimes fly off the
soil and around the tree.
Perhaps I am over watering the seeds and seedlings and this is attracting
bugs.

You answered your own question. What you have are fungus gnats. The larvae
live in the soil. Although they may damage some roots, their presence is more
significant of other problems (like E. coli in the drinking water). Your soil is
too soggy. Either you are grossly overwatering or your soil contains too much
organic matter, particularly peat moss. Water less often and use a potting
mix with more gravel and Turface (or other calcined clay product). For your
seedlings use sand or perlite. To eliminate the present infestation, use a soil
insecticide.
Iris


I seem to have the same problem too. I use liquid organic fertilizer; can that be causing the fungus
gnats too?

Gary
Zone 7

Only if you overdo something like fish emulsion fertilizer.
And by overdo, I mean OVERDO. If your trees smell like
Howard's Fish market that's probably too much.

Otherwise, it just means you are overwatering. Iris'
recommendation are fine until the last one (IMHO). Simply
watering less will get rid of the fungus gnats, though it'll
take longer than dousing them with poisons.

Let the soil get dry between waterings.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Nature
encourages no looseness, pardons no errors. Ralph Waldo Emerson

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++