Fungus Gnats and Mealybugs: Dual Pest Management

Two separate pests require different approaches:

Fungus Gnats (Tiny Black Flies)

• Cause: Soil too wet, peat-heavy mix, rotting roots.
• Fix: Dry soil completely between waterings. Add perlite to future mixes for faster drying.
• They're the same gnats attracted to overripe fruit.

Mealybugs on Aloe (White Cottony Puffs)

• Common on succulents at leaf-stem junctions.
• Sucking insects—more damaging than they appear.
• Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab.
• Spray alcohol/water mix. Inspect weekly for hatching eggs.

Natural Prevention

• Well-draining soil (extra perlite).
• Water by weight—pot light = water time.
• Inspect new plants 2 weeks before introducing.
• Quarantine new acquisitions.

Dry conditions discourage both pests.