Knats.

[PoshPenny]

I have 2 large umbrella plants in Fritas enclosure and over the last two weeks iv noticed an increase in knats, fruit flies possibly. Are they in the plants? If this is the case do I need to trash the plants I hate disturbing her enclosure and Home Depot is currently out of fig and umbrella plants. Can I kill them somehow? Any advise is appreciated. Frita is doing great, but these knats are getting out of control.

 

[SipeCsus]

I had the problem with my enclosure.. A layer of plain play sand or cocofibers covered with rocks so ur chamm dont eat it will solve your problem.. They wont be gone permanantly but it will keep them to a minimal.. Also removing the poop from the soil and cage helps this problem.

 

[melble68]

You are probably getting to much moisture hangin around in the soil. Its not draining good enough, and the gnats are going crazy. I had the same problem early this winter. Repot the plants. You'll probably find that the existing soil is very wet, and possibly a bit stinky. Work as much of the old soil off the plants as you can. Your main objective is for excellent drainage in repotting your umbrellas. Get some play sand, good organic soil / potting mix, and some perilite. I even microwaved the soil prior to doing a 50/50 mix w/ the perilte. Put about a 1" to 2" layer of play sand in the bottom of the pot. Then start with the 50/50 mix of potting soil and perilite. Use the 50/50 mix like you would all the way up to the top of the root ball. Leave about 2" of the pot for another 1.5" or so layer of play sand on top of the 50/50 mix, and then cover the sand w/ a layer of reasonable sized river rock. River rock should be big enough so your cham can't ingest any of the rocks. The 50/50 mix and the sand at the bottom will give adequate drainage so the soil drys out, and the sand at the top will keep the gnats from getting to the soil. Since I did this, I've had ZERO gnats.