Why does your Capsicum annuum Favorita have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The most common cause of tiny black flies in ornamental peppers is the larvae of fungus gnats, which thrive in overly moist potting media. While adults are a nuisance, the larvae feed on organic matter and can damage delicate pepper root hairs.
If there is fermenting organic matter or overripe fruit parts on the plant, fruit flies may be attracted to the sweet odors. These are often mistaken for fungus gnats but specifically target decaying plant tissue.
Similar to fungus gnats, sciarid flies inhabit damp soil environments. In Capsicum species, they are often present when the soil remains saturated for extended periods, leading to a cycle of infestation.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: