- Earthworms, these troublesome flies, take a liking to our homes in autumn and winter, and their larvae destroy plant roots.
- The heat of the radiators and the moist soil create ideal conditions for their reproduction, which leads to their rapid spread.
- Learn how to effectively fight these pests using home methods, including the amazing diatomite that will take care of the problem at the source!
Why do earthworms appear in autumn and winter?
Houseplant lovers know perfectly well what they are. They are small, flying insects resembling black flies. They can most often be observed flying around plants. As with many pests, it is not the adult ground beetles that pose the biggest problem. The threat to plants are larvae feeding in potted soil. One female can lay up to several hundred eggs, which hatch after a week. This means that ground gnats attack plants very quickly and can spread to other flowers in the house. they gnaw at the roots of plants, weakening them and causing them to stop growing and flowering. Damaged flower roots also become less resistant to diseases. Earthworms can be found all year round, but they most often feed in autumn and winter. The heat of radiators and moist potting soil favor their reproduction. As soon as you notice midges flying around the flowers, act immediately.
The most effective home method for groundworms. This way you will get rid of the larvae
If there are a lot of ground beetles, experts recommend transplanting all plants to fresh, uninfected soil. You can gently root the plants. It has antiseptic properties and has a disinfecting effect. There are many home remedies to get rid of and deter ground gnats. The most popular are decoctions of garlic and chamomile. It is also recommended to use natural traps with a sticky surface. They work similarly to food moth traps. Adult groundworms stick and die, which prevents them from laying further eggs.
Specialists indicate that the most popular natural method of combating groundworms is diatomite, i.e. diatomaceous earth. It is a natural rock formation consisting of fossilized algae shells. Diatomite is often used in gardening as a natural barrier against pests. You can buy it in a store for PLN 10 per 100 g. To use diatomite in the fight against ground beetles, sprinkle a thin layer of powder on the surface of potted soil. Diatomite blocks the migration of ground owls in both directions. Adults cannot penetrate the ground to lay larvae, and the larvae do not come to the surface. Diatomaceous earth damages their shells, and the strong absorption properties of diatomite suck the water out of the larvae. As a result, the larvae die due to dehydration.
