Houseflies on the plants!!

I left my plants with a neighbor while away on vacation and now I have houseflies all over and some of my plants seem to be dying out!
One of the plants also has yellow texture on the top of the soil.

Sharing some pics and videos. Pls help!!!

 

My guess is you're dealing with fungus gnats that came about as a result of over-watering.

Fungus Gnats Management Guidelines -- UC IPM

 

Hi,

Based on the images you provided, here’s what seems to be happening with your plant:

1. Pest Infestation: The presence of houseflies could indicate that your plants might be infested with fungus gnats. These small flies are attracted to moist soil, where they lay their eggs, and the larvae feed on organic matter in the soil, which can include plant roots, potentially harming the plant.
   
   
2. Yellow Texture on Soil: This could be mold or a type of fungus growing on the soil surface. This often occurs when the soil is kept too moist, creating a favorable environment for fungal growth. It could also be algae, which can appear if the soil remains damp and is exposed to light.
   
   
3. Plant Health: The plant in your images appears to have yellowing leaves and is generally not looking healthy. This could be due to overwatering (which also causes fungal growth), insufficient light, or nutrient deficiencies. Overwatering is particularly likely given the potential for fungal issues and the presence of fungus gnats.
   

Recommendations:

1. Pest Control:
   
   • Allow the soil to dry out between watering to reduce the moisture that attracts fungus gnats.
   • Consider using yellow sticky traps to capture adult gnats.
   • You can also apply a biological control, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or neem oil, which can help control fungus gnat larvae in the soil.
2. Fungal Growth:
   
   • Remove the top layer of the soil that has mold or algae, and replace it with fresh, dry soil.
   • Ensure good air circulation around your plants and avoid overwatering. Water the plant only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
3. Plant Care:
   
   • Inspect the plant for any additional signs of disease or pests, like webs, spots, or strange textures.
   • Trim away any heavily damaged or yellowing leaves to prevent the spread of potential disease.
   • Consider repotting the plant in fresh soil if the infestation or fungal issue seems severe.

Let me know if you need further help or have more questions!

Thanks!

 

Thanks both! I was wondering if you have some hole remedies to resolve this?