Expert: nick mccann - 7/3/2008

Question
Something very small and in large numbers, is eating the roots of my plants in my container gardens.  What do I do?  Is there a homemade remedy for this?  They are not worm like but more knat like although I am unsure as to whether they flie or not. The ones eating the leaves on my Japanese Maple tree do fly!!!

Answer
Hi Patti, I am not sure what type of insect it might be, but I am sure that you are going to have to change out your soil; if there are gnat like insects, then there is definitely eggs too. You need to discard the soil and sterilize the containers (bleach and water), and then start over with new medium. This is a common complaint from container enthusiasts and the only sure cure, is a change of medium. Nick