Why does your Capsicum Favorit Deep Orange have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely the adult stage of fungus gnats, which thrive in the moist organic matter of pepper potting soil. Their larvae feed on fine root hairs of Capsicum plants, potentially causing stunted growth or wilting.
Excessive moisture in the Capsicum pot creates an ideal breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae and attracts various small flies. This condition often leads to secondary issues like pythium root rot in ornamental peppers.
While much smaller than flies, some mite infestations can be mistaken for tiny dark moving specks on pepper foliage. These pests cause characteristic silvery or dark scarring on the leaves of Capsicum varieties.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: