small flies in the greenhouse

[phill]

Greetings people
I appear to have a plague of small grey/black flies in my greenhouse. They have set up home in the grow-bag compost which I have emptied into pots for growing. To date they are in the tomato, pepper and melon pots, they seem to like the compost and don't appear to settle on the plants. Any ideas what they are and how best to erradicate the problem. there must be hundreds in there. I didn't want to try spraying anything such as Raid or any other household sprays in case of contaminating or killing the plants. All suggestions welcome!!... many thanks.

[Nature's Babe]

Hello Phill, welcome to the forum. Possibly fungus gnats? Try the sticky yellow greenhouse insect traps just above the soil - best used to prevent the problem though in future.

[phill]

Thank you nature's babe, will give it a try.

[the custodian]

hi phill welcome to the forum, if you want a natural defence try buying a couple of venus flie trap plants they will love the conditions in the summer green house and eat lots of flies for you. just remember to bring them in in the winter the kitchen is best.

[phill]

never thought of the venus fly trap, will investigate further, thanks.

[alan refail]

never thought of the venus fly trap, will investigate further, thanks.

Hi Phill

Don't get your hopes up with the Venus flytrap. It only works if the flies fly in - and if the plant wants to eat them. Have a look at this -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_Flyt ... electivity

[phill]

Hi Alan, think the yellow fly trap are doing their thing as there appears to be quite a few on there. Will hold fire on the venus fly trap. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated

[alexhepgurn]

I have one question. Using venus fly trap has any side effect? I have heard some where that they have bad effect for health.

Still I am not sure so need an expert advice.

[phill]

Hi, my venus fly trap didn't seem to cause any problems. I put sticky tapes by the pots and eliminated most of the flies that way

[Woodland Elf]

Hi All

I've tried sticky traps in the polytunnel before but I am quite tall and they stick in my hair This year I have bought a Sarracenia Flava pitcher plant that will hopefully eat the bugs and it is hardy so it should be able to live in the tunnel all year. I really like it so I am looking for another one to buy now.