Citrus aurantium Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Fungus Gnats Black Olives/Citrus Fruit Fly (Drosophila species) Scale Insect (specifically related to secondary infestation)

search Possible Causes

error

Fungus Gnats

The larvae of these flies live in the soil and feed on organic matter and fine root hairs, while adults are attracted to the moist substrate required for Bitter Orange growth. High humidity and frequent watering schedules often trigger outbreaks.

Very Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Set a yellow sticky trap near the base of the citrus tree to see if small black insects are captured.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture adult flies and break the reproductive cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

2 Reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely to eliminate the moist environment larvae need to survive.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

3 Apply a microbial-based soil drench to target the larvae living in the organic matter of the substrate.

FoxFarm Bush Doctor Microbe Brew 1 Gallon

3.8 L

$115

In Stock

warning

Black Olives/Citrus Fruit Fly (Drosophila species)

If there is overripe or decaying fruit on the Bitter Orange tree, these flies will congregate to lay eggs. They are attracted to the fermenting sugars in the citrus juice.

Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Inspect any fallen or bruised bitter oranges for small white larvae moving inside the fruit pulp.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Remove all overripe, decaying, or bruised citrus fruits from the plant and the surrounding area immediately to eliminate the primary breeding source.

2 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the plant and soil surface to target any remaining adult flies and larvae.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the soil is not excessively damp, as moist organic matter can attract fruit flies.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

warning

Scale Insect (specifically related to secondary infestation)

While scale are not flies, their presence produces 'honeydew,' a sticky substance that attracts various small flying insects. This can make it appear as though the flies are the primary issue.

Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Examine the undersides of leaves and stems for small, stationary, bump-like organisms.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate the scale insects and the secondary flying pests.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Thoroughly wipe the leaves and stems with a damp cloth to remove the sticky honeydew residue that attracts flies.

3 Inspect the undersides of leaves and crevices for scale insects and remove them manually if found.