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Flies in cuttings
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Posted by markiz37 5-6PA (My Page) on Sun, Nov 22, 09 at 19:42
I have what looks like fruit flies in the soil of my cuttings. This is in my basement under the lights. How can I get rid of them?
Thank you. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Flies in cuttings
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| You probably have what are known as "fungus gnats". They're attracted to potting soil because of its relatively high percentage of organic matter. As that matter is moistened and decomposes the gnats' larvae (maggots) eat the fungi doing the decomposing. Except when they're present in very high numbers they're generally of no consequence to the plants growing in the same medium. |
RE: Flies in cuttings
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| Thank you, york rose. It is just a nuisance because it is a semi - living area. |
RE: Flies in cuttings
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| If you cut off the fungus gnats' access to the organic part of the soil, you will greatly reduce their numbers. When I was doing seedlings and cuttings indoors, I covered the surface of the soil with a layer of fine perlite. Sand will also work. Connie |
RE: Flies in cuttings
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| I also saw someone say that pet hair -- the kind you pull out of your dog's brush -- works well for that specific purpose. It was such a unique response, I remembered it even though I had no use for it. But I do my cuttings outside, so don't notice the fungus gnats if they are there. Kathy |
RE: Flies in cuttings
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| pet hair -- the kind you pull out of your dog's brush -- works well for that specific purpose Interesting! I can imagine that would work! Animal hair is one of the last things of an animal body to decompose (it can take many years) and yet water and water vapor would move past it very easily so I imagine it would function as a sort of "barrier mulch" (as long as the hair layer was thick enough). |
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