I was chilling on my couch today when I noticed these tiny black bugs flying around me. They're smaller than gnats and super speedy! I think they might be thrips, and I'm really worried about my 25 houseplants. I can't figure out where they're coming from since I haven't seen any signs of thrips on my plants. What are the best ways to protect my plants and get rid of these bugs indoors? I'm a bit hesitant about using systemic treatments because my cats sometimes nibble on my plants, and those products can be tough to find in my area. Has anyone here dealt with thrips that seem to be unrelated to their plants?
2 Answers
Definitely keep an eye on those little critters! If they are thrips, you’ll want to act fast because they can do some damage. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil for an organic approach. Just be cautious with your treatments since you’ve got kitties around! You might also want to inspect your plants regularly to catch any infestations early. It’s all about prevention!
It sounds like those flying bugs you're seeing might actually be something other than thrips. From what I've seen, thrips aren’t great flyers, so they might not be able to zoom around like those little guys you described. I'd recommend checking for fungus gnats instead. They can often appear out of nowhere and can be a hassle to deal with. To keep your plants safe, consider using yellow sticky traps, which can help catch those pests. You could also try letting your soil dry out a bit since gnats love moist conditions. Just make sure you don't let your plants dry out too much!
Yeah, I had a similar issue! Sticky traps worked like a charm for me, and I also cut back on overwatering. Good luck!
Exactly! Plus, if you can, quarantine any new plants before introducing them to your collection. It helps avoid surprises!