TV presenter and blogger Dan Cooper has revealed how to rid your home of pesky houseplant flies to avoid an October 'gnat swarm'. The horticulturist is helping green-fingered Brits maintain gardens and plants through the 'hectic' month of October.
In his recent post, Cooper explains he is often asked about the tiny black flies frequently found in the air around houseplants. He says these are called fungus gnats, which feed on organic matter in the soil and compost.
Why fungus gnats appear in autumn
Workspace plant design firm Ambius say fungus gnats are most commonly found in September and October, as that is when their population peaks and they have been known to create 'gnat swarms'. They explain the insects are a product of last spring's gnats breeding and have been developing in the soil since then.
Organic matter is a mix of nitrogen-rich green compost, such as food scraps and grass clippings, carbon-rich brown materials like dead leaves, and microscopic bacteria or fungi.
Simple remedies to deter the flies
Cooper says that to reduce the attraction of fungus gnats to plants, you could 'spread a layer of finely crushed shells over the compost surface'. He adds that horticultural grit - washed, lime-free aggregate made from crushed granite, quartz or limestone - would work in a similar way.
The gardening expert confidently says that using one of these two tips will mean the flies will 'pester you no more'.
Watering and wider October advice
Cooper also says fungus gnats are particularly drawn to damp compost, so their presence could signify you are watering your plants too much. Reducing the frequency of watering could help too, as long as you do not reduce it to the detriment of the plant.
The tip forms part of his wider advice on looking after plants and gardens during October. He says this month and April are equally 'hectic' for gardeners, given the number of jobs needed to prepare for spring.
Cooper's ultimate advice is: "Pace yourself but don’t put off what you can do today until tomorrow. It’ll be Christmas before you know it!"
