How to Quickly Get Rid of Fruit Flies on Aloe Plants

Are your precious aloe plants infested with a swarm of fruit flies? The presence of these flying insects can indicate a number of things which you can quickly resolve to prevent future infestations. Do note, however, that you may be actually dealing with fungus gnats and not fruit flies.

Replace the Potting Soil

The main culprit that leads to the presence of fruit flies on aloe plants is the potting soil. There could be organic debris that’s rotting in the potting soil, which fruit flies and gnats absolutely love. Rotting can also occur if you water the plant a bit too much.

Place your finger into the top layer of soil and get a feel for how damp it is. If the soil is a bit too watery then we suggest transplanting the aloe plant into a new, high-quality potting mix that drains well. This will also do your aloe plant a favor since they do best in well-draining soil.

Over-watering may cause diseases like root rot, which also encourages the presence of fruit flies. When transplanting the aloe plant, be careful with the roots. They should remain healthy and intact or else the leaves of your aloe plant may start to droop and eventually die.

Prune the Dead Leaves

Pruning is an important part of gardening and caring for indoor plants. By removing the dead leaves, you allow the aloe plant to maintain its well-being by directing important nutrients to the healthy leaves. It also prevents the presence of fruit flies. As we mentioned earlier, decaying organic matter is one of the key reasons for the development of fruit flies and gnats on aloe plants.

If you don’t already have a garden pruner then make sure to get one. A small one is fine for the purpose of maintaining houseplants. Find a pruner that fits your hand as it will reduce the amount of physical strain you may feel should you use it for an extended period of time.

Place Sticky Traps Next to the Aloe Plant

To kill the existing fruit flies, we suggest placing a few sticky traps next to the aloe plant. The color and scent of these sticky traps attract the flies to the sticky adhesive. It’s a good, inexpensive solution since you won’t also be relying on harsh pesticide to get rid of the flies.

You could also try other homemade traps to kill the fruit flies that are hovering over your aloe plant. One popular solution is to mix together some apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and some water in a disposable bowl, then place the bowl next to the infested houseplant.