Citrus unshiu Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Fungus Gnats Black Scale (Insect infestation) Fruit Flies (Drosophila)

search Possible Causes

error

Fungus Gnats

The small black flies are likely fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist organic matter of citrus soil. They feed on decaying roots and can cause secondary stress to the Satsuma mandarin by damaging fine feeder roots.

Very Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Place a yellow sticky trap near the soil surface to see if tiny winged insects are captured.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

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

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

2 Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings to eliminate the moist environment required by larvae.

GROWIT Analog Soil Moisture Meter

Water Meters

—

3 Apply a microbial-based treatment or organic drench to target the larvae living in the organic matter.

FoxFarm Bush Doctor Microbe Brew 1 Gallon

3.8 L

$115

In Stock

warning

Black Scale (Insect infestation)

While the 'flies' may be visible, they often congregate around scale insects or honeydew. Black scale produces a sticky residue that attracts various small flying insects to the citrus foliage and stems.

Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of leaves and main branches for hard, black, bump-like bumps that do not move.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the foliage and stems to eliminate the black scale insects and the flies attracted to their honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Thoroughly wipe the stems and leaves with a damp cloth to remove the sticky honeydew residue, which helps prevent further insect attraction.

3 Monitor the plant's health and ensure it receives adequate nutrition to recover from the infestation stress.

FoxFarm Happy Frog Citrus and Avocado Fertilizer

1 pcs • Organic

$21

In Stock

warning

Fruit Flies (Drosophila)

If the Satsuma mandarin has overripe or decaying fruit on the tree, fruit flies will be attracted to the fermenting sugars. This is common during the ripening stage if fruit is left unpicked.

Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Check for any softening or leaking fruit near the base of the plant or in the canopy.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Remove and dispose of any overripe, bruised, or decaying fruit from the tree immediately to eliminate the primary breeding source.

2 Set up traps near the plant to capture adult flies and prevent further infestation.