I'm new to growing citrus in containers, I have a key lime tree and a Meyer Lemon. They both have fruit flies. What is the best thing to do to get rid of them?
When I bring fruit in from the garden, fruit fly are often a problem. I use a jar designed to catch wasp to catch the fruit fly (available at garden centres and hardware stores). Put a banana peel in the jar with a little water. After a day or two I flush hot water into the entry holes of the jar to kill the fly. Works like a charm. Rinse the jar and put a fresh peel in. I find banana really draws them. I too have a Meyer lemon and just purchased a kimquat. The lemon has just started to bloom.
Okay, so I have decided that they are fungus gnats. Should I repot with new soil, or try sticky traps or cider vinegar. I also read that peppermint tea will work. Any suggestions?
No need to re-pot. You are watering to often and therefore keeping the surface of the soil constantly too wet. Let the surface dry out. Many people apply a layer of coarse sand to the surface of the container, which quickly dries out after watering, and stops the infestation. - Millet (1,169-)
I had a terrible infestation of fungus gnats. I try and water as little as possible (I have CHC as a medium) in hopes to dry out the surface, but its not super effective. The other day I went to check on the gnat activity. I found spider webs woven across the surface of the pot, and no gnats. Hahaha, suckers! This is the first time in my life I have ever appreciated spiders.
