Why does your Mentha citrata have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe tiny black flies are likely adult fungus gnats, whose larvae live in the organic matter of moist soil and feed on decaying roots. High humidity and constant moisture in Mentha citrata cultivation create the perfect breeding ground for these pests.
While not a direct cause of flies, poor drainage in Lemon Mint leads to anaerobic soil conditions which attract various dipterans (flies). The larvae then feed on the weakened root systems of the mint plant.
Some species of small flies are attracted to the high moisture content and essential oil-rich leaves of Lemon Mint, especially if there is a slight fermentation occurring in the potting medium.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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