Houseplants and flies

[PPSWife]

Is it possible to have houseplants and not get tiny flies? Is there something I need to be mindful off to avoid getting flies?

I really want some houseplants but whenever my mum used to buy one we would get tiny flies in the house and have to throw the plant out.

Water from the bottom only so that the top inch of the compost dries out. The flies can only survive in the damp soil on top.

I second watering from below and also advise putting fine grit on top of the soil to prevent the flies laying eggs. If it’s a bad infestation then remove the top layer of soil, replace and top with grit. I had loads last year and they got caught up in my day/night blinds. Buggers.

Thank you! These are preventative tips right, rather than how to deal with an infestation once it’s started?

Once its started those sticky things are great. I got a couple of pack from amazon and within a week or so they were covered. Just leave them in there all the time to hoover up any that may be around.

Yes the sticky things are good. A useful home solution can be a small bowl/saucer with water and vinegar. Cover with cling film and pierce small holes in it. The flies go in and drown. I’ve not found this 100% effective so have bought the sticky traps this year but so far no flies.

Update - loads of the little flies on the sticky pad!