Tweet
Started my peppers from seed at the end of January. Noticed that some of the leaves are being eaten and that very small black “flies”? are hovering about. Managed to kill most using fly killer above the plants and sprayed soapy water onto plants. I had given some to my brother in law and he reports the same problem. Got the compost from ASDA so could be eggs in compost and heat in house has hatched them? Still getting the problem but cannot see any flies, they are very small. Any cures or ideas?
-
Last edited by JMCKG; 16-03-2018, 04:32 PM. -
Post a photo of a damaged plant please (v unlikely to be the flies). -
Comment
-
Not flies in my view.
Does your brother report the same nuisance flies or the same type of damage to the leaves?Comment
-
Both, same flies same damage.Comment
-
The flies are probably https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=804 that thrive on damp compost.
The larvae may be nibbling the leaves or it could be a tiny slug living in the bottom of the pot.Comment
-
Looks like slug damage to me. A couple of possible ways forward :- a) lift the seedlings out of their current pots and redo them in new pots with fresh compost and a new home outside that, ie try and leave the slug behind - and/or b) put something like a slice of apple or similar, flesh side down in the pot hoping to entice the slug in to that.Comment
-
Pricked all out and washed compost off with soapy water. Pit into new pots with new compost. All well so far.Comment
Comment