Flies in the soil of a pot plant.

[Pottyone]

I have a fairly well established money tree in a pot in my kitchen. Last year we seemed to have loads of fruit flies and I decided they were coming from the soil in the plant. I put it outside, where it stayed through some cold weather, so I hoped they had been killed off. At the end of last year I then repotted the money tree and took off most of the old soil. However the flies are back. What can I do do get rid of them? Or do I have to get rid of the money tree? I also took 2 cuttings which are on the bathroom windowsill and they have flies too, so does this mean they are actually nesting inside the plant??

[carlton23]

I have one of those lights which attract them and zap them like you see in a buthchers, or you might try a dish of white vinegar placed by the pot,

[Pottyone]

Do zappers zap little fruit flies?

[cazzz1975]

here:
http://en.allexperts..../Gnats-Money-Tree.htm

[carlton23]

Yes potty, I have one and there are several of the little beggars burnt on the wires, and those that don`t stick fall into a bin underneath.

[Whoever]

I have the same problem with flies breeding in the damp compost in a warm room. It's a problem to get rid of them. Buying a Venus fly trap plant and putting it beside the money tree pot might help. Otherwise an ordinary fly killer spray helps, but be careful using it if you're got food exposed in the kitchen. Another thing you can do is get a thin layer of cloth, drape it tightly around & across the compost and fix it round the pot with an elastic band so the compost isn't exposed. Water the plant from underneath in the saucer and any flies which breed in the compost won't easily be able to escape and will die.