Debugging New Yucca Before Bringing Indoors

New yucca with "dark skinny worms" held outdoors in NC: likely fungus gnat larvae or soil pests. Treat before introducing to cactus collection.

Likely Pests

Treatment Protocol

1. Unpot; wash all soil off roots
2. Inspect roots; trim any damaged
3. Repot in fresh, sterile cactus mix
4. Apply Mosquito Bits (Bti) per label
5. Isolate 2 weeks; monitor

Prevention

• Quarantine all new plants 2 weeks
• Yellow sticky traps for flying adults
• Water from bottom (reduces surface moisture)
• Sterile potting mix only

Evergrowing pest guide has more IDs. Most yucca pests don't transfer to cacti, but quarantine is essential.