Aloe erinacea Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Fungus Gnats Sapromyiid Flies (Decomposition Attraction) Fruit Flies (Drosophila)

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Fungus Gnats

The larvae of these flies thrive in the moist organic matter of succulent soil, feeding on decaying roots and fine root hairs of Aloe erinacea. The presence of adults usually indicates that the substrate is staying too wet for too long.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Place a yellow sticky trap near the base of the plant to confirm the presence of flying adults.

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1 Reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to disrupt the larvae's moist habitat.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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2 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture the adult flies and prevent further egg-laying in the soil.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

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3 Repot the Aloe erinacea in a well-draining succulent mix containing perlite to improve aeration and prevent future moisture retention.

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Sapromyiid Flies (Decomposition Attraction)

These flies are attracted to the scent of fermenting or rotting organic matter. If a leaf of your Aloe erinacea has developed soft rot due to overwatering, these flies will congregate around the site of decay.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the base and center of the rosette for any mushy, brown, or foul-smelling tissue.

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1 Inspect the plant for soft, mushy, or decaying leaves and prune away any damaged tissue using sterilized shears to remove the source of attraction.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

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2 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the flies and their larvae, and use yellow sticky traps to capture remaining adults.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

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In Stock

3 Adjust your watering schedule to prevent overwatering and use a moisture meter to ensure the soil is completely dry before the next watering.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

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Fruit Flies (Drosophila)

If there are overripe organic fertilizers or decomposing compost in the potting mix, fruit flies may mistake the moisture around the Aloe erinacea for a breeding ground.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the flies are specifically hovering around the surface of the soil rather than the plant leaves themselves.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Remove any overripe organic matter or decomposing compost from the soil surface to eliminate breeding sites.

2 Deploy yellow sticky traps near the plant to capture and reduce the adult fly population.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

3 Monitor soil moisture levels closely to ensure the medium is not staying too damp, which attracts flies.