Fruit flies in my herbs

sarah_2-2

I've recently started to grow my own herbs inside in 3 seperate tubs- basil, parsley and chives. However in the last week or 2, I've noticed a few fruit flies that are permanently in and around it- does that mean they've layed eggs somewhere on the plants? And is there anything I can do to get rid of them? Not very nice to have in the kitchen! Thanks x:A

belfast_child

i use a bug spray for any of my tomatoes, chillis, peppers or herbs that have anything buzzing about on them. i always get one suitable for edible fruits , and preferably that says same day spray and eat, as i take this to mean they wont leave any negative residue or taste. A light spray in calm conditions usually does the trick. suitable bug spray can be found in homebase or poundstretcher and costs about £3

greyteam1959

If the plants have no flies actually on them they could be coming out of the compost that they are planted in.
I have had this happened. The eggs or whatever are already in the compost and hatchout in the warm.

belfast_child

give the compost a good spray as well. "bug off" is the one i usually use and its organic................

bizzylizzy

I have a healthy basil plant growing on the kitchen window sill but I have noticed a few very small black flies on it which fly around it whenever I brush the leaves or move it. What can I do? I love using the basil but I'm not keen on providing a home for flies!

lily-ella

I have these flies too, on my chilli plants, theyre not aphids just tiny black flies.. Im always trying to kill them in the morning but more appear!

Id be interested in any replies!

adouglasmhor

Hoover them up as they fly about after you stir them up, a dustbuster is ideal for doing this, they are called ..............................wait for it.................................. Blackflies!

bizzylizzy

Do they spread germs though? I'm not very keen on them flying round the kitchen, how can I get rid of them? And how do they arrive in the first place?!

adouglasmhor

They can spread plant diseases but other than getting into something they shouldn't they don't pose a health risk to people or pets, do what I said with a vaccum to get rid of them - just keep doing it every little while till there are none of them left, the eggs can come in soil or fruit so that's how they probably arrived..

Forgetful

I have changed the soil in my houseplants numerous times. Each time it is flie free for about 2 weeks or so then we start slowly getting an invasion of little flies. I have tried different types of compost and each time it still happens...I also use a spray on flie killer but they still come.

Can anyone please tell me a solution??

Mickey_Monk

:rotfl: Get rid of the houseplants:rotfl: