What to Do When There Are Tiny Flying Insects in the Flower Soil
Potted plants often face the challenge of soil pests, especially in humid environments where fruit flies, fungus gnats, and other tiny flying insects thrive. These pests not only affect plant health but also pollute the home environment. This article systematically compiles four practical solutions for home gardening scenarios, helping plant enthusiasts control pest problems at the source.
Physical Isolation Treatment Method
Media Coverage Technique
Apply a 2-3cm layer of clean river sand or perlite to the surface soil, recommended to use coarse sand particles with a diameter of 1-3mm. This can block the egg-laying channels of adult insects while maintaining soil breathability. It is important to completely cover the soil surface with the layer and regularly stir it to prevent hardening.
Physical Trap Devices
When using yellow sticky traps, place 1-2 traps per square meter, suspended 10-15cm above the soil surface for the best effect. Double-sided adhesive products can be used continuously for 2-3 weeks, and when combined with LED insect traps, the effect is more significant.
Ecological Control Solutions
Citrus-Based Biological Agents
When making a citrus peel solution, it is recommended to use 200g of organic orange peel soaked in 1L of water, stirring daily to promote the release of active ingredients. After fermentation, dilute it at a ratio of 1:50 and spray it primarily on the soil surface, which can achieve a larval mortality rate of 78%.
(Y-J) Type Natural Medicines
Collect the tobacco from 20 cigarettes and soak it for 24 hours, then filter and add 5ml of dishwashing liquid to enhance adhesion. This solution is effective against pests like aphids and whiteflies but should be used no more than twice a month to avoid soil alkalization.
Chemical Control Measures
When using systemic insecticides like imidacloprid or thiamethoxam, it is recommended to use a 2000-fold solution for root irrigation. Maintain ventilation for 48 hours after application, and applying diatomaceous earth can extend the effectiveness of the pesticide. Important note: Chemical control should be used as a last resort and always confirm the pesticide's suitability for the plant species before use.
By establishing a three-level protection system of physical isolation, biological control, and chemical control, a long-term pest prevention mechanism can be created. In daily maintenance, pay attention to controlling the watering frequency, maintaining the soil's dry-wet cycle, regularly applying decomposed organic fertilizers to enhance plant resistance, and fundamentally reducing the probability of pest occurrence.