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[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 ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#3
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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 +++++ |
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