Citrus Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Fungus Gnats Citrus Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata) Black Scale (Insect infestation)

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Fungus Gnats

The larvae of these flies live in the moist organic matter of the citrus potting soil and feed on decaying roots. The adults emerge to lay eggs, often appearing as tiny black flies hovering near the base of the tree.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Set a yellow sticky trap near the soil surface to confirm the presence of small flying insects.

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1 Deploy yellow sticky traps near the base of the citrus tree to capture the adult flying gnats and break the breeding 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 required by larvae.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

3 Top-dress the soil with a layer of horticultural perlite or sand to create a dry barrier that prevents adults from laying eggs in the organic matter.

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Citrus Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata)

These flies target the developing citrus fruit itself, laying eggs under the skin which leads to rot and larval development. While they are larger than fungus gnats, a high infestation can make it appear as though black flies are swarming the tree.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the citrus fruit for small puncture marks or soft, decaying spots on the rind.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate adult flies and prevent further egg-laying on the fruit.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Remove and destroy any infested or rotting fruit immediately to break the life cycle of the larvae.

3 Monitor the tree's health and environment using a moisture meter to ensure the soil is not overly damp, which can attract other flying pests.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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Black Scale (Insect infestation)

While not flies themselves, heavy infestations of Black Scale can cause a buildup of honeydew, which attracts various small dark flies and ants to the citrus foliage.

Common

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How to confirm: Check the undersides of leaves and stems for small, hard, black bumps that do not move.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the foliage to eliminate the Black Scale infestation and kill the adult insects.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Thoroughly clean the leaves and surrounding surfaces to remove honeydew buildup, which prevents attracting more flies and ants.

3 Monitor the tree's health and use a spray to prevent future fungal issues that often follow honeydew accumulation.