Are Fruit Flies Bad For Plants?
Although fruit flies are a nuisance, they are not bad for houseplants. They can appear year-round, but are most active in late summer and fall. They are attracted to fermented foods, including fruits. Though they are not harmful to houseplants, they can be unsightly and can be a health risk. They lay their eggs in soil and prefer a warm, moist environment.
If your fruit plant is heavily infested, you may need to re-pot it. The roots may also be affected, so you’ll need to remove them and replace them with fresh potting soil. You can also try using a vinegar trap. It will catch fruit flies, and can kill the fungus that they feed on.
You can also physically remove fruit flies by picking them off your plants. However, this method may not be effective because they reproduce so quickly. If you’re not able to remove the flies from the plants, you can use fly swatters or an electric fly swatter.
Vinegar can also be used as a natural insect repellent. You can mix a solution of vinegar with water to spray on your plants. However, you should avoid using vinegar for too long since it is harmful for plants. You can also make your own homemade repellants using a mixture of peppermint or lemongrass oil. You can also mix these ingredients into your soil to make it repellent for fruit flies.