Varieties of midges

Households do not immediately detect midges. Initially, the pests are in the ground. They appear on the surface after watering. A little time passes, and a swarm of insects circles above the flower. The spectacle is horrifying, and something needs to be done about it. Midges do not sting or bite people. However, its presence can not only destroy the flower, but also harm human health, causing an allergic reaction and respiratory disease.

What types of midges are found on indoor flowers? The list is impressive:

Types of pests

Among the pests that can be generally called midges, the following varieties are distinguished:

• Drosophila is a fruit, fruit or vine midge that looks like a miniature fly. It feeds on plant sap, microorganisms, and rotting debris. He loves cyperus, callas, violets, orchids, but in their absence he will not disdain any other flower.

• The sciarid is a fungus gnat that actually looks like a black mosquito. The root system of the plant becomes their victim. Living there, they also greatly compact the soil, depriving the roots of oxygen. If they have a choice, they will settle in a pot with ficus, violet, azalea, aloe, and Decembrist.

• The whitefly looks like a white, but very small moth. Dangerous at all stages of development. It sucks the juice from the leaves, releasing liquid like an aphid. This becomes good food for the fungi, which continue to destroy the plant. Orchid, fuchsia, roses, balsam, passionflower, pelargonium - this is not a complete list of their favorite victims.

• Podura, or springtail - they can be seen on the surface of wet soil, at the foot of a plant or in a tray where there is water. They are very small (1-2 mm), fast, jumping. They feed on microorganisms and decaying organic matter, that is, they act more like insect indicators of excess watering.

But when there are more of them, they move to young white shoots of roots or underground shoots of plants, exposing them to fungal and bacterial infections. They can settle in any plant, but they prefer violets, begonias, fuchsias and orchids.

All preferences of midges are quite conditional; they will settle where there is humidity and rotting organic matter.

Causes of parasites

Experts believe that the main reason for the appearance of midges is improper care of indoor flowers. The main mistakes that are made are:

1. The appearance of insects in the house with a new flower. Before installing a new acquisition next to the “old-timers”, it is necessary to quarantine it. Time will tell what is in the soil. If pests and diseases are present, they will manifest themselves within two weeks. It is worth taking certain safety measures. You need to think about how to get rid of parasites. Only after complete cleaning can the pot be placed on a common windowsill.
2. Application of organic fertilizers. Some people prefer to feed their pets with humus, granulated sugar, leftover tea and coffee, and yeast. On the one hand, the flowers are provided with nutritional components, on the other hand, the process of decay of the organic composition begins, which becomes an ideal environment for the appearance and reproduction of pests.
3. Waterlogging of the soil. Watering plants too frequently and abundantly is not recommended. Especially if the pot does not have good drainage. This also applies to greenhouses for growing flowers from seeds. Do not water the soil abundantly in winter, even if the room is too hot.
4. Application of contaminated soil. Pests can be found everywhere, so there is a possibility of their presence in any soil. Before planting a sprout in the soil mixture, it must be disinfected.

Midges can be caused by open windows. It is impossible to completely eliminate the appearance of pests, no matter how hard you try, so it is necessary to take preventive measures and prevent significant reproduction of insects.

Why do flowers get midges?

Florists explain why flowers harbor midges. If you understand this well, then it’s easier to get rid of them.

The flower midge is bred for the following reasons::

1. Dampness. If the soil is watered frequently and there is no good drainage, the liquid stagnates and the substrate sours. For small pests, these are very comfortable conditions for reproduction.
2. Open windows. If there are no mosquito nets on the windows, insects can easily attack indoor plants.
3. Contaminated soil. Soil taken from the garden or purchased from an unverified supplier often contains parasite larvae. To prevent infection from occurring, it is useful to calcine the soil or water it with a manganese solution.

When using dried tea to fertilize the soil, the likelihood of flower midges greatly increases. It is recommended to feed them only with special fertilizers. It’s worth asking florists how to do this.

In order to prevent infection, they recommend treating house plants with a weak solution of an insecticide (Actellik, Kinmiks) from time to time.

Signs of infection

Midges are too small to immediately detect their presence. They hide under leaves and in moist soil. Only when they reach a huge number do they reveal themselves. In most cases, the larvae are found in the ground, in the area of ​​the root system, so it is quite difficult to see them. Despite the “secrecy”, there are some signs that allow you to accurately determine the presence of parasites. These include:

• the occurrence of diseases;
• the appearance of a whitish coating on the leaves and stems;
• the substrate or soil becomes crumbly;
• the ground “fades” a little.

The most vulnerable species are considered to be:

• fuchsia;
• azalea;
• ficus;
• aloe;
• epiphytic cacti;
• gerberas;
• violets;
• begonias.

What are the best remedies for getting rid of midges?

To defeat the scourge, you can use several methods. They differ in effectiveness, consequences, composition, order of application, and timing of implementation. How to choose the right product? Much depends on the specific situation. Let's look at the most common methods of pest control:

1. Use of chemistry. Efficiency at altitude, however, has a negative impact not only on midges, but also on people. Before you start using the drug, you must carefully study the attached instructions.
2. Mechanical method. Considered safe. Chemicals are completely excluded. Application after insects have laid eggs does not lead to a positive result.
3. Drying the top ball of soil. Watering is temporarily stopped until the soil becomes dry at a depth of 3 centimeters. Dry soil is destructive for midges and their larvae.
4. Removing parasites using a vacuum cleaner. It is enough to remove the brush from the equipment and, at low speed, treat the window sill, pot, leaves, stems, and the top ball of the earth. At the end of the manipulations, the bag is removed from the vacuum cleaner and taken away from the house. Afterwards, the flower is placed in a bathtub and subjected to sprinkling using insecticides in reduced concentrations.
5. Soaking. A disinfectant is added to the settled water. We are talking about laundry soap, a weak solution of manganese, and ammonia. Most often, laundry soap is used, which is grated, diluted in warm water, and applied to the plant and soil using a spray bottle.
6. Traps. Where to buy devices? You can visit a specialized retail outlet. The average price of any trap is reasonable. There is an option to save money and make the design yourself. The method will get rid of pests for several days. Take beige or yellow cardboard and honey. Thin strips are made of cardboard and laid out near the pots. Honey must be spread in a thin layer. Other ingredients are also suitable, such as compote, sweet wine, apple cider vinegar. You can use saucers instead of cardboard.
7. Soil replacement. An effective way to get rid of parasites. You can replace the soil completely or remove the ball to a depth of 3–5 centimeters. Improvements will appear in a couple of days. When replacing the soil, you can immediately disinfect the root system. It is advisable to pour boiling water over the pot itself and the drainage. It is recommended to temporarily quarantine the transplanted flower separately from other plants for two weeks.

How to deal with white midges in indoor plants

Of particular danger are the larvae of white midges (whiteflies), which feed on the plant sap of leaves. It is quite difficult to get rid of them at home.

Chemicals

To combat whitefly, systemic drugs such as Aktara or Actor are suitable. They need to spray and water the substrate.

In addition, in specialized stores you can purchase special sticks for pest control, which contain not only insecticides, but also various fertilizers.

Wiping with soapy water

Along with treating with the chosen product, it is necessary to wipe all the leaves of the infected specimen, the window sill and the flowerpot with a soap solution (alcohol is also suitable for the pot and the surface on which it stands).

Traditional methods

For prevention, you can try to get rid of it with garlic, onion or tobacco infusion, as well as infusions of yarrow or dandelion.

Folk remedies for pests

If midges are detected at the initial stages, and have not yet had time to multiply, then folk remedies will help in the fight against them. They are completely safe. Can be used where small children and pets live. The most common, effective and popular means are considered to be:

1. Garlic. Place it in a flower pot or lay out the cut cloves on the surface of the soil. You can spray the flower with the infusion periodically.
2. Potassium permanganate. A weak, pale pink solution is made. The liquid is used for watering and spraying.
3. Ash. Insects don't treat her well. It is enough to scatter wood ash in a thin layer over the soil mixture.
4. Matches. The good old method of getting rid of pests. Four to five matches are placed in the pot with the sulfur heads down. Then pour warm water over the container. You need to change matches every day.
5. Citrus. You can take orange peels and put them in a flower container.
6. Dill. The branches are simply placed in the area of ​​the root system.
7. Tobacco. Leaves are treated with tincture.

Preventative measures to combat midges in indoor flowers

• Do not irrigate too much so that there is no excess water in the soil, always allow it to dry out between waterings;
• Buy only high-quality soil substrate and drainage; before planting, the soil can be additionally disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate;
• Regularly loosen the soil in flower pots;
• All organic debris (old fallen leaves and inflorescences) must be disposed of without allowing it to rot;
• Do not allow open windows without mosquito nets, as midges can fly in from the street and begin to multiply quickly in favorable home conditions.

Prevention

To avoid the appearance of insects in the house, it is necessary to properly care for plants. This will be helped by preventive measures that do not harm the environment and minimize the possibility of parasites. What is meant by the word “prevention”? This is a list of simple steps:

1. Control of air and soil humidity. It is necessary to create comfortable living conditions for flowers. If the room humidity is high, it must be dried; if it is excessively dry, it must be moistened. Regular ventilation is mandatory.
2. Moderate watering. Excessive watering should be completely avoided. Waterlogging of the soil negatively affects the growth and development of plants and leads to accelerated reproduction of pests.
3. High-quality drainage. Necessary in order to avoid stagnation of water in the root system area.
4. Loosening the soil. We are talking about an upper ball with a depth of 3 to 5 centimeters. In order for a plant to grow and develop well, the roots need access to oxygen. Open air is harmful to the larvae.
5. Quarantine. It is advisable to exhibit “newcomers” in a separate room for a period of 30 days. If pests are present, they can be identified and measures taken to destroy them.
6. Plant purity. You need to constantly monitor the appearance, remove fallen leaves from the stem and soil to prevent them from rotting.
7. Regular visual inspections of flowers to identify midges.
8. Steaming the soil with boiling water and using a disinfecting manganese solution.
9. Adding marble chips, ash or coarse sand to the soil.

It is better to prevent pests from appearing than to fight them later.

Preventing the appearance of midges in flower pots

Adjust proper watering habits

Midges feel comfortable in moist soil; eggs and larvae cannot survive without a constant moist environment. Most likely, your plant can do well if you water it less. Try testing the soil with your finger and watering only when it is completely dry, at least 2-3 cm. A moisture sensor can help in this case.

Consider Drainage and Humidity

The level of soil moisture depends on whether the pot with soil has special drainage. Not all plants and flowers are suitable for highly moist soil. The filler for a pot for indoor flowers requires 15% air, 35% moisture and 50% soil. And here you can’t do without drainage, which creates comfortable conditions for the greenhouse. Too much moisture displaces 15% of the oxygen needed by plants. Drainage is necessary because this is the only way unnecessary liquid can escape and the roots of the plant can breathe. If using a tray under the flowerpot, empty the tray immediately after watering to prevent moisture buildup and black flies.

White midges in indoor flowers

Use the right soil

Well-prepared soil contains slow-decomposing organic materials such as coconuts, fibers and charcoal. On the inorganic side, perlite is also a good ingredient. Use well-draining soil that decomposes slowly; The more old the plant's environment, the more attractive it is to pests.

Also, don't reuse soil when you repot the plant; It's better to have fresh soil every time.

Pruning as a means of controlling midges

Promptly trim dying or dead foliage from the plant, especially in areas close to the soil line. The less organic material decomposes, the less midges there will be in the pot.

Do not replant the flower in a large pot

The more land that is watered to feed the flower, the more space there is for earth parasites in the accumulated moisture.

Rating of high-quality liquid insecticides against midges and in tablet form

Aktara

This substance will be an excellent assistant in the fight against winged creatures that have settled in flower tubs and pots. The product belongs to the category of neonicotinoids. It has a negative effect on the nerve receptors of insects, which leads to their rapid extermination. The substance dissolves in water and is applied under the root, or on the leaves and trunk by spraying. The first option is preferable, as it is characterized by pronounced systemic activity. Works well against larvae in the ground, eliminating the risk of a new batch of winged creatures appearing. After application, the substance remains active for 14 days. To avoid mistakes when choosing, it should be noted that the product is not selective. The first result can be seen a few hours after treatment. The composition is not classified as toxic, which eliminates the risk of damage to the plant roots.

The average price of a new product is 4,424 rubles.

Aktara

Advantages:

• efficiency (regardless of application conditions);
• high rate of inhibition of insect feeding;
• a systemic effect is observed when applied to the soil;
• when spraying, a translaminar effect is observed;
• wide scope of application;
• long lasting effect;
• harmless to leaves and roots.

Flaws:

• high price.

Fufanon Nova

This substance is used as a remedy for the appearance of midges. Allows you to process many crops, and not just indoor ones. To avoid mistakes when choosing, it should be noted that the manufacturer recommends processing indoors in the absence of animals and children nearby. Also, after completing the manipulations, it is recommended to thoroughly wash your hands, take a shower and change clothes. It would be a good idea to use a respirator. The container should be stored separately, in a dark and dry place. The substance should not be mixed with other pesticides. During the preparation process, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the instructions proposed by the manufacturer in order to avoid negative consequences regarding health.

Cost – 1350 rub.

Fufanon Nova

Advantages:

• convenient form factor;
• wide scope of application;
• efficiency;
• the substance is harmless to plants, subject to dosage;
• long lasting effect.

Flaws:

• processing is carried out in special clothing and in strict accordance with the instructions.

Fitoverm

This insecticide belongs to the biological category. It can be used not only to combat indoor and flower midges, but also other harmful insects. It should be noted that the composition does not have a cumulative effect and does not accumulate in the fruits, inflorescences, foliage and soil of the plant. Capable of suppressing certain groups of insects up to 100%. In addition, it is not classified as toxic. The dosage is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging, and it must be followed. It is recommended to carry out the treatment away from animals and children, in a well-ventilated area. You should also take a shower and change clothes immediately upon completion of the manipulations. The container should be stored in a dry and cool place, away from children. The product should not be mixed with other pesticides.

How much does the container cost? The purchase will cost 160 rubles.

Fitoverm

Advantages:

• long lasting effect;
• 100% elimination of midges;
• affordable price;
• ease of use;
• the composition is non-toxic.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Inta-vir

This drug will help get rid of not only midges, but also many other winged pests that plague apartment residents. One tablet is enough to make 10 liters of solution. It should be noted that spraying should begin immediately after preparation of the substance is completed. All leaves should be evenly moistened, as should the trunk of the plants. It is based on the use of cypermethrin. Based on the manufacturer’s statement, the tablet effectively fights 52 types of pests. Once opened, the product should be used as it cannot be stored further. New packaging should be kept out of the reach of children.

Cost – 86 rubles.

Inta-vir

Advantages:

• long lasting effect;
• ease of use;
• does not harm the plant;
• 100% elimination of midges;
• prolonged effect.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Chemical methods

Stores sell various insecticides that, when used correctly, will quickly get rid of midges safely for plants and people.

1. After the last watering of the flower, wait until the soil is completely dry and lightly loosen it.
2. Place the pot in a plastic bag and shake the bottle of Dichlorvos. Spray a small amount directly onto the soil and tie the handles of the bag, completely covering the pot.
3. All larvae should die approximately 4 hours after the procedure. Hang sticky traps for the flies on the window. After 8 days everything should be repeated.

Top best granular insecticides for midges

Bazudin

This drug is based on the use of diazinon. Supplied in the form of granules that dissolve well in water at room temperature. It is noted that it is highly effective against soil-dwelling insects, as well as their larvae. It will also allow you to get rid of garden ants and wireworms 100%. A review of reviews indicates a high impact rate. The first result can be observed a few hours after application. It is also noted that it has a long-lasting effect. The manufacturer recommends applying 15 g of the substance per 10 m2 of area. It can also be used as a prophylactic agent. To do this, the substance is introduced during the process of plant transplantation.

Average price – 70 rubles.

Bazudin

Advantages:

• long lasting effect;
• wide scope of application;
• granules can be either dissolved in water (for subsequent spraying) or applied in their original form;
• affordable price;
• speed of onset of effect.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Grom-2

This highly effective drug belongs to the complex category. Designed to combat ants and soil midges. The effectiveness of the substance remains regardless of the conditions of use. Eliminates not only visible insects, but also larvae that hide in the soil. It is supplied ready-made and does not need to be dissolved. Apply in an even layer to the soil, greenhouses or beds. It is used for both fruit and berry and flower crops. Should be stored in a cool place, out of reach of children and pets. Processing can be carried out in any weather, without temperature restrictions.

How much does the packaging cost? The purchase will cost 16 rubles.

Grom-2

Advantages:

• wide scope of application;
• ease of use;
• functionality;
• practicality;
• high level of efficiency;
• can be purchased through the online store;
• can be used not only for treating indoor plants;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Fly eater

This highly effective product is designed to combat soil pests. Suitable for processing not only flower crops, but also vegetables and fruits. It fights well against both adults and larvae. After treatment, it will take 48 hours to completely get rid of pests. It should be noted that the product has a protective effect, thereby eliminating the risk of insects in the near future. Does not accumulate in the soil and dissolves quickly. It is recommended to treat the color once a season for maximum effectiveness. Does not have a negative effect on the plant and microorganisms living in the soil.

Cost – 13 rubles.

Fly eater

Advantages:

• form factor;
• wide scope of application;
• versatility;
• effectiveness;
• sold at any specialized retail outlet;
• numerous positive reviews;
• ease of use;
• 100% destruction of insects.

Flaws:

• not identified.

How to get rid

When midges appear in indoor flowers, experienced florists will tell you how to get rid of them. Flower midges are afraid of both chemical and folk methods of control. The main thing is to understand what kind of midges are in the soil of indoor plants, and then choose the appropriate method for eliminating them.

General recommendations

If there are midges in your indoor flowers, it is important to act immediately.

Experienced flower growers give recommendations on how to act under current circumstances:

1. Check the soil to make sure it is not too wet. To dry the soil, it is watered less, but loosened more often.
2. Water the soil with potassium permanganate (a weak solution), which has antibacterial properties. It is important not to overdo it so as not to burn the roots of indoor flowers.
3. Restore the soil with a soap solution. To do this, dissolve a small bar of laundry soap in water and pour it over the ground.

If after 7 days there are no noticeable positive results, then it is necessary to completely replace the soil from the flower pot. And the pot itself must be thoroughly washed, treated with insecticide and fried.

Soil replacement

Florists will tell you how to get rid of midges in flower pots most reliably. The solution to the problem may be to replace the soil. The plant is transplanted into high-quality soil. Sometimes this is done for the purpose of prevention. As a rule, choose soil with a high level of acidity, where midge larvae quickly die.

After transplanting the plant, it is not watered for some time . During transplantation, care should be taken to ensure that no old soil remains on the roots. Otherwise, the larvae will colonize the new soil and the plant will not be saved, and the manipulations carried out will be in vain.

Chemicals

If you don’t want to replant, then florists will tell you how to water the flower against midges, using chemicals. They are practically non-toxic for people and safe for plants.

Such means are popular:

1. Regent. Suitable for eliminating all types of midges. The insecticide is dissolved in water, following the instructions, and the soil is watered with it.
2. Aktara. Granules for preparing a solution, which is used both for watering and spraying. The instructions contain information on how to do this correctly. This insecticide destroys both adults and their larvae.
3. Inta-vir. This is a tablet or powder insecticide. For watering or spraying, only fresh Inta-vir solution should be used. If after therapeutic manipulations some of the solution remains, it is disposed of.
4. Actellik. Broad-spectrum insectoacaricide. How to use it correctly is described in the annotation. Please note that Actellik is contraindicated during flowering.
5. Agravertine. Transparent emulsion. The drug has been used for a long time, as it is not addictive and does not allow pests to adapt to its components.

If the insect population is too large, then aerosols are additionally used. Dichlorvos can replace Raptor Neo. The treatment is carried out until all insects are completely destroyed

Folk remedies

Experienced housewives know how to get rid of midges in indoor plants at home without the use of insecticides. On the one hand, these products are absolutely safe. But they are effective only with a small population of midges.

Such means have proven themselves better than others:

1. Matches. Next to the flower, place 4 matches (heads down) in the ground, and then lightly water the soil. The condition of the matches is periodically assessed. If the sulfur has already completely dissolved, then new matches are immersed. As soon as all the pests have disappeared, the procedure is stopped.
2. Potassium permanganate. Prepare a weak solution of potassium permanganate by pouring it over the soil. Treatment is carried out every 2 days.
3. Ammonia. Add 10 ml of ammonia to a liter of water. The prepared product is used to water indoor flowers against midges and to spray bushes with it every 1-1.5 weeks. This product effectively eliminates the entire population of midges and also saturates the soil with nitrogen.
4. Activated carbon. Take 3-5 tablets of coal, grind them to a powder and sprinkle them on the soil. The manipulation is repeated for 5 days in a row. The product is effective against a small number of pests.
5. Ash. Fine wood ash is sprinkled on the surface of the soil. The larvae are not afraid of this product, and adults are effectively repelled. In addition, the ash additionally feeds indoor flowers.
6. Dill. Dry seeds of this plant are scattered on top of the soil in a pot. The layer is updated every 2 days. As soon as all the midges disappear, they stop performing such manipulations.
7. Citrus. The peel of an orange or lemon is placed down in a flowerpot and the soil of the flower is watered in the usual way.
8. Garlic. To prepare the infusion, take 3 heads of garlic, grind them finely, and then pour 1 liter of boiling water. At the end of the day, strain. The leaves of the plant are treated with the prepared infusion, and the soil is also watered.

Many amateur gardeners can see from personal experience how folk recipes help control pests. But their use is justified only when plants are slightly infested with midges.

If the situation is advanced, then it is better to immediately resort to broad-spectrum chemical insecticides.

Rating of the best aerosol repellents for midges

Raptor

This aerosol is based on the use of tetramethrin and cypermethrin. Insects can appear not only in a private house, but also in an apartment. Midges are no exception. No one would want to live next door to them. The midge living in the pot lays eggs in the soil of the pot. The Raptor will do an excellent job with the flying and underground inhabitants of the flower tub. This product is also perfect for fighting moths, mosquitoes, fleas, ants and even cockroaches. The brand needs no introduction and is in high demand among European consumers. Supplied in a convenient 275 ml bottle. Despite the fact that the composition is considered safe for humans, the can should be kept out of the reach of children. During storage, it is recommended to give preference to a cool and dark place.

How much does a can cost? The purchase will cost 514 rubles.

Raptor aerosol

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• economical consumption;
• speed of onset of effect;
• wide scope of application;
• value for money;
• functionality;
• patented technology.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Bona Forte

This drug is characterized by an unusual composition and a high efficiency rate. It is based on the use of Dalmatian chamomile inflorescences. An excellent solution in the fight against crawling and flying harmful insects. There is a high speed of impact on midges, without causing addiction. Designed for treating plants in the garden and at home. During the processing process, the risk of the substance getting on the inflorescences and young buds should be eliminated. Such manipulations are carried out in the shade, eliminating the risk of direct sunlight hitting the treated areas of the plant. Available in a 0.5 liter bottle with a sprayer. Subsequent storage should be away from children, in a dark and cool place.

How much does a can cost? The purchase will cost 255 rubles.

Bona Forte

Advantages:

• wide scope of application;
• lightning-fast results;
• convenient form factor;
• does not affect the well-being of the plant;
• can be used throughout the year.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Dichlorvos Neo

This insecticide is available in aerosol form. The composition contains stabilizers, fragrances, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide, preservatives, ethyl alcohol and permethrin. The substance belongs to class 3 (moderate) hazardous substances. Effectively fights not only flower midges, but also flies, fleas, ants, bedbugs and even cockroaches. Designed for treating residential premises. Before use, shake the can thoroughly. Sprayed at a distance of 20 cm from the plant. In this case, the temperature regime should be at least +10°C. Such manipulations should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, excluding observers such as animals and children.

Average price – 90 rubles.

Dichlorvos Neo

Advantages:

• wide scope of application;
• affordable price;
• 100% elimination of insects;
• does not affect the health of the plant;
• ease of use.

Flaws:

• processing is carried out in a protective suit and using a respirator;
• At the end of the manipulations, the room is ventilated and completely washed.

Traditional methods

Traditional methods of control are not as effective, but are suitable for those who do not like to use chemicals. The most suitable remedy is a solution of potassium permanganate. Dilute it to a light pink tint and water the flower with the solution until the infection is completely eliminated.

After carrying out the procedures, place pieces of orange peel in the soil; they will become a preventive measure against new pests.