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fungus gnats


I recently noticed that one of my ficus trees has these. They look a bit
like miniature mosquitos, and match an illustration of a fungus gnat in
an old houseplant book I have. 

The ficus was consistently overwatered before I adopted it, which I'm
sure provided the opportunity for these bugs, which lay their eggs in
the soil so that their larvae can feed on the plant's roots. (As I
understand it.) The ficus is pretty sparse, and hasn't grown a single
new leaf in the few months I've had it.

My questions:

1. My outdated houseplant book suggests using limewater to kill fungus
gnats. Anyone know anything about this?

2. My local gardening store, Molbak's, said not to use limewater -- they
suggested letting the soil dry out (~2 weeks of not watering). Any
thoughts on this?

3. Are my other plants likely to be infected?

Thanks!

Heather



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