I have houseplants that continue to be housing for what appears to be very, very tiny black flies. I have tried everything from light soapy water - oil and water - to commercial sprays and nothing works. After spraying, it seems they calm down a bit but within a couple weeks they are back. Several people have told me the only thing to do is eliminate the houseplants completly. I was just going to set them all outside as it is 20 degrees here and trash them, then I remembered this site. So, if you can help, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you also, (Newt) so much for the tulips in basement for 2 years advise. I did as advised and they are growing like crazy. Hoping the flies don't get them. Thank you so much. PAKMAY

 

I'm not the expert in this, but they sound like gnats. You may be over watering or at least the soil is always wet, which attracts them. I have had that problem and changing the dirt and keeping it damp rather than wet, may help.

 

Try searching the term "Fungus Gnats". Possibly what you have. The larva can be in bags of potting soil fresh off the shelf or plants you buy at stores/nursuries, once it gets moist and warm in the house...out they come.

We had them and tried all the soaps, sprays, and mixes...no help. They would kill the adults, then the next generation would hatch and there they were. We finally got some "GnatTrol" off Amazon and after about 6 weeks of use, no more gnats. Matter of fact we need to order more. The place we ordered from was in CA and unfortunately, I think they only have gallons now....almost $80...ouch...but it will be enough for 2 years of use or more.

EDIT..Just checked..they have quarts now and that should be enough to treat a normal house full of plants and do the monthly routine to keep 'em away for a few months.

There is also a site out there...called "what is this bug" or similar. If you upload a digital pic (Very close up!) they have some experts that will help.

Hope you get rid of them...irritating little buggers, right? Whatever they are...

 

Thank you so much, I will give it a try and I wondered how brand new flowers and soil could almost instantly have these awful little bugs. Will be a great help in the spring with outdoor plants. Thanks again.

 

PAKMAY, you are so very welcome for the info on the tulips. I'm glad to know they are growing. My hyacinths also sprouted and one gave me a sad example of a bloom, but at least it is fragrant.

If nothing has worked for the fungal gnats I would suggest the potato remedy. It worked for me.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/project...ngusgnats.html

More ideas.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r280300811.html

Newt

 

Another tip that was given to me is to keep your soil in your plants covered. With decorative stones, aquarium stones, any kind of stones, or even spanish moss.