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Identification
Small dark flies hovering around soil. Larvae are white maggots with black head in top inch of soil.
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Life Cycle
Adults live 1 week. Larvae develop in moist soil over 2–3 weeks. Year-round indoors.
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Damage Signs
Larvae eat roots and fungal matter, stunting growth. Adults are mainly a nuisance.
healing
Treatment
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Yellow sticky traps for adults. Neem oil drench for larvae. Beneficial nematodes.
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Prevention
Avoid overwatering. Cover drainage holes with mesh. Allow soil surface to dry.