Though they are the main flying pest in the average house, you can also use houseplants to repel fruit flies and even moths. "Houseplants can be another pest attractant in your home, especially if your houseplants suffer from plant-feeding insects like aphids," says Kripena. Though the flies themselves typically do not create problems for the plants, the flies' larva attacks the plants' shoots and roots and can cause leaf loss. I’m hoping to upgrade this soon. Hover flies in gardens are a common sight throughout the country, especially where aphids are present. Small black flies, known as fungus gnats, are a common problem when you raise houseplants. Most of them do a good job of exterminating the pests. They're attracted to garbage, manure and carrion. They are a result of overwatering. If you just can’t stop, I have a post on how to stop overwatering your plants here. This post may contain affiliate links. Yes, indoor plants attract bugs. This larval stage eats organic matter in the soil, including roots. All the Better to See a Meal With. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. Anywayz, thanks for heads up on gnats & flies. Known as fungus gnats, they're actually tiny flies, about 1/8-inch long, that are drawn to moist potting soil and decaying leaves on the surface of the soil around your plants. Red Wine. If I were to use a trap I’d need one that killed the gnat instantly – the sight of them flapping around on them traps is heartbreaking. Top Plants That Attract House Flies. How To Identify Fruit Flies? Get a custom spray tan today! Thanks so much for a lovely comment! Horse flies are also attracted to Acetone a component found in Nail Polish or Varnish Remover. But these plants seem to attract fruit flies near the dirt, but they are NOT eating the plants.. no signs of plant damage. You could probably squash one with your fingers, but I’m vegan and I won’t do that. And are there any colors which catch a fly’s attention? Maybe it does, but it also attracts fungus gnats like a boss. So, how do you get rid of those pesky flies in your potted plants? Among the two common species, the red-eyed variety. Well, unfortunately, getting rid of an infestation once it’s taken over your succulent garden isn’t an easy task. (+ care tips). According to studies, houses with several flies is the cause of most illness suffered by household members. This post may contain affiliate links. This is a question that a lot of people ask a lot because they find it strange. On the other hand, whiteflies are a different story. It just means I can buy one for every area of my house that has plants. If you are dealing with a fly infestation make sure to keep your surroundings clean and waste-free. MC wants to know: Do plants in apartments attract bugs? These are fungus gnats, also known as sciarid flies. Dry air and too little humidity. P: 251-263-2044 / E: southernglowtans82@gmail.com Use vinegar or wine traps to catch fruit flies. Houseplants do not attract bugs. A fly’s head is dominated by two huge compound eyes. While they look similar to mosquitoes, they don't bite. However, with hard work and consistency, you can get rid of both whiteflies and fungus gnats in your plants. How Do I Get Rid of House Flies? Use fly tape to catch flies. This is a weird segue into my favourite method for getting rid of fruit flies because some people would consider it cruel, and I do get that. But if the larva is especially hungry, or there’s a lot and they’ve exhausted their supply of fungus, then they’ll turn to the next best food source – the roots of your plants. I know very little of gardening and am not what you would consider 'green fingered' (!) Small flies living in house plants are small and compact species.When observed, they are orange in color and have stubby legs. Hover flies (or syrphid flies) are one of only a few insects known to feed primarily upon nectar and digest pollen but will also feed on the honeydew of aphids. The Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a plant native to wetland areas of the East Coast and the Carolinas. (Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Do not hang fly tape directly above areas where you will be preparing or eating food. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "adf41d645f81147dd9442e21f4ae7e96" );document.getElementById("gc4be025c0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I am thinking of using some colorful plants on a shelf to separate the sleeping area of my bedroom from the living area, but don’t want gnats, ants, or, god forbid, worse. Does it seem like every time you kill one, there are five more the next day? We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Flies are a nuisance but also provide some benefit for your home and garden. 9 Houseplants That Can Keep Bugs Out Of Your House. Your way of writing is hilarious and I’m also learning how to be a better roommate to my plants. But the real problem is.. these little flies are also buzzing around my entire apartment. Great post but just a pity you have to take God’s name in vain so many times. Do not hang fly tape directly above areas where you will be preparing or eating food. Small whiteflies can be an issue in the home too, in particular if you have a large indoor garden that attracts them. 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