Flying in the potting soil: you can do that
As soon as flies form in the potting soil, they fly everywhere. Not only are they annoying, they also lay eggs in other houseplants. You should act quickly so that your plants are not damaged.
You can do this against flying in the potting soil
Mosquitoes that get stuck in the flower pots are mostly black gnats or fruit flies. As soon as they have laid their eggs in the potting soil, they multiply and can significantly damage the roots of your houseplants.
- Mosquitoes and small flies do not have to multiply in your home. You often bring them home with the potting soil from the store.
- One way to fight small flies and keep the annoying beasts away from your houseplants is to stick matches upside down in the potting soil. The sulfur contained in the matches drives away the flies.
- Another option is yellow stickers. You can buy these in the hardware store or on the Internet. Put the yellow stickers in the flower pots. They attract the flies, which then stick to the sticky surface.
- In extreme cases, you can also try the nematodes, which are safe for humans and animals. These eat the eggs of the flies and die even after some time.
- In any case, avoid waterlogging in the flower pots, since flies like moist soil very much.
- If flies cannot get into flower pots, they die and cannot multiply. For example, a stocking that you pull over the pot is suitable for this.
- Another option is sand. To do this, sprinkle a layer of sand about two centimeters thick on the potting soil. So flies no longer come out of the earth and can no longer get into it.
- In an emergency, you can repot your houseplants. Change the whole soil out of the flowerpot and wash the roots as a precaution.
You can find out what you can do to prevent flying in the apartment in our next practical tip.