Again and again it happens that bugs nest in the flower pot. This applies to the pots that are on the terrace, the balcony or even in the room. In any case, countermeasures are required to prevent spread.
Fungus gnats are common in flower pots, but can be fought quite well
Which vermin can occur?
With the abundance of native insects, there are many species that like to settle in flower pots.
Some examples are:
- fungus gnats
- miner fly
- spider mites
- centipede
- worms
- rose beetle larvae
- snails
All of these animals can live unhindered in the garden soil, but they have no place in flower pots or tubs. The insects will always cause damage to the plants cultivated there.
fight pests
It is usually not the adult animals that cause plant damage, but rather the larvae that live in the soil. Once hatched, they feed on the roots of cultivated plants. If the infestation is severe, they will die off in a short time.
Worms and rose chafer larvae are beneficial creatures that do helpful work in the garden as they feed on dead plant matter and help build humus. In the flowerpot, on the other hand, their habitat is much too small and they cannot find any food. So they also eat the roots of the plants.
If there are pests or beneficial insects in the potting soil, they must be removed for the benefit of the cultivated plant. You should avoid using chemical agents, since the poison they contain always kills useful animals. In addition, the chemicals are not recommended for humans either.
Get rid of inhabitants in the flowerpot in a simple way
Many home remedies are suitable for removing pests and uninvited guests from the potting soil.
Fungus gnats don't like sulfur. They die off if you stick 6 - 8 matchsticks into the potting soil with the sulphur-head first. If the infestation is severe, replacing the potting soil will help. The old soil is completely removed (including the roots) and disposed of in the residual waste. If the flower pot is to be used again, it must be washed out with vinegar water, as there could still be mosquito eggs somewhere.
Leaf miner larvae cause leaf damage. The affected leaves are collected. To prevent spread, the leaves are best burned or disposed of in the residual waste.
Many insects do not like water. If the entire flower pot is flooded for some time, worms, centipedes, snails or the larvae of the rose chafer come to the surface. The animals can be collected and relocated.