Fruit Flies in my Phal.

[Steve B]

I have, what I think are fruit flies living in my large Phal. meduim. I know they are natural composters and are drawn to the wet bark, but will they cause any harm to my orchid? I have had them for a while now and I haven't seen any damage, but it never hurts to ask.
Is there an easy way to get rid of them?

Thanks
Steve

[gore42]

What you're seeing are actually probably fungus gnats... they're about the same size as fruit flies. The flies themselves aren't that big a problem... but if there are enough of them, the larvae that live in the medium can cause root damage.

However, if you have fungus gnats, this probably means that you're over-watering, which is a bigger problem than the gnats This would be a good time to evaluate your watering practices and cut back a bit so that your media dries out (or at least ALMOST dries out) between waterings.

- Matt

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Go to the harware store or home center and buy some Mosquito Dunks. They have an organism that eats the larve of the gnats, and will eliminate them completely. Dissolve a small chunk in your watering water, and save the rest for future occasions, as this will probably reoccur every so often.

[Tobi]

Hi steve,
I had a big problem with these pesky little bugs about 2 years ago. As the
others had stated, they are probably fungal gnats. They seem to thrive in
bark that is moist and breaking down. What I did to get rid of mine was to
add alittle dishwashing detergent to my watering can and rinse the bark with
this for 2-3 waterings. I also increased the air movement around the plants as well. If the problem persists you may need to change the potting bark
when it is convenient to repot.
I have not heard of using Mosquito dunks before but thank you Cynthia for
the info. Might have to try that if I ever get the problem back.

[Steve B]

Thanks Everyone,

As soon as I read Matts response this morning, I went out to a nursery and picked up some fungal nat spray. I have quarantined the orchid I believe to be the culprit and sprayed it down thoroughly. I have also sprayed all the other plants just to be sure I kill everything. I have never heard of mosquito dunks before but I will keep an eye out for it from now on. I have used soap water before for aphids, but its good to know that it will work with these little guys as well. I guess it only makes sense that all the other home brews would work just as well (e.g. tomato leaf spray, and garlic solution).

Thanks again for your help.
Steve

[lynda]

Originally Posted by Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

Go to the harware store or home center and buy some Mosquito Dunks. They have an organism that eats the larve of the gnats, and will eliminate them completely. Dissolve a small chunk in your watering water, and save the rest for future occasions, as this will probably reoccur every so often.

What a great idea --- just put it on my Lowes/HomeDepot list so I won't forget it.