Q.very small insect-looking bugs
I have very small insect-looking bugs burrowing in and flying just over the surface of soil of my schefflera houseplant. The plant is newly potted (2 weeks ago) with freshly purchased potting soil. Part of the soil was very wet (mud-like) when I used it to re-pot. I need a solution to these bugs. Thank you.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It sounds like you have fungus gnats, likely from the overly wet soil. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/fungus-gnats.htm
Yep, it sounds like you have fungus gnats. We have found that fungus gnats almost never occur in numbers large enough to damage plants, probably because they are so annoying people get rid of the plants before the gnat population gets too high. Also, they live mostly in the top 2" of soil, so before any other treatment, scrape off this soil and replace with gardening, or builders SAND - gnats can't live in the sand because it doesn't hold water. If you have other plants, put the affected one by itself, so the gnats don't spread. And don't use muddy potting soil; if you open the bag and its wet, or any bugs fly out of it, return it. Try not to buy soil where it is stored outside.
