How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies on Beach Morning Glory Plants

Fruit flies can be a nuisance for any gardener, but they are especially bothersome on beach morning glory plants. The good news is that there are several effective, natural methods to get rid of fruit flies on these beautiful vining plants. In this article, we will explore why fruit flies are attracted to beach morning glories, discuss the best methods for getting rid of fruit flies organically, and provide tips for preventing future infestations.

Why Fruit Flies are Attracted to Beach Morning Glories

Beach morning glory (Ipomoea imperati) is a popular seashore plant known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. However, these showy blooms also attract some unwanted guests – fruit flies. Here are the main reasons fruit flies gravitate toward beach morning glories

• Nectar – Beach morning glories produce nectar which is an irresistible treat for fruit flies. They use their sponging mouthparts to slurp up the sugary nectar.

• Decaying plant matter – As flowers die off, decaying plant matter accumulates Fruit flies lay their eggs on decaying flowers and stems, providing food for their larvae.

• Moist environment – Beach morning glories thrive in damp, coastal environments. Fruit flies need moisture to breed and develop, making these plants an ideal habitat.

• Ripe or overripe fruit – Some varieties of beach morning glory produce small fruits or seed pods. The sugars in ripe or overripe fruits also appeal to fruit flies.

Organic Methods to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

If you’ve noticed swarms of fruit flies flitting around your beach morning glories, don’t reach for harsh chemical pesticides. There are several organic, non-toxic methods to tackle these annoying pests:

Use Neem Oil

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. It contains azadirachtin, which acts as an insect repellent and growth regulator. Neem oil can be used to control fruit flies in two ways:

• Soil drench – Mix 1-2 tsp neem oil with 1 quart water. Pour this solution around the base of plants. This kills fruit fly larvae in the soil.

• Foliar spray – Add � tsp neem oil and 1/4 tsp natural soap to 1 quart water. Spray plant leaves weekly. The oil coats leaves in a residue that repels adult fruit flies.

Set Up Traps

Fruit fly traps provide an easy way to capture adults. Try these trap ideas:

• Funnel trap – Make a funnel trap by cutting the top off a soda bottle. Invert the top to make a funnel shape and add 1-2 inches apple cider vinegar to the bottom. Fruit flies enter through the funnel but can’t exit.

• Jar trap – Fill a jar halfway with apple cider vinegar. Add a few drops of dish soap to break the vinegar’s surface tension so flies sink and drown. Cover with plastic wrap and poke small holes.

• Yellow sticky trap – Purchase yellow sticky cards and hang them around plants. The color attracts fruit flies who get stuck on the adhesive.

Maintain Good Garden Hygiene

Making your garden less hospitable to fruit flies is key for long-term control:

• Remove decaying flowers, fruits, and leaves where flies can breed.

• Discard overly ripe fruits and vegetables.

• Keep the garden free of standing water.

• Fill in cracks and crevices in walls, posts, and the ground where flies hide.

• Cover compost piles to deny flies food and shelter.

Prevent Future Infestations

Once you get rid of current fruit flies, take steps to avoid continuous battles:

• Clean up fallen fruits/flowers – Promptly remove plant debris to eliminate breeding sites.

• Allow soil to dry slightly – Fruit flies need moist soil. Let the top inch dry between waterings.

• Use row covers – Place fabric row covers over plants to create a barrier against flies.

• Attract natural predators – Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings who feed on fruit fly larvae.

• Rotate neem oil treatments – Apply neem oil every 1-2 weeks during peak fruit fly season.

• Plant nectar plants – Grow flowers that attract parasitic wasps, a fruit fly predator. Good choices include cosmos, dill, and coreopsis.

When to Seek Additional Help

Most fruit fly issues can be resolved with consistent organic control methods. But if problems persist, consult your local garden center or extension office. They can help identify the specific fly species and offer targeted advice. For severe infestations, they may recommend supplemental treatments like:

• Horticultural oil or pyrethrin insecticide sprays
• Beneficial nematodes applied to soil to kill larvae
• Commercial traps and lures

With a multi-pronged approach, you can keep fruit flies under control and enjoy the beauty of your beach morning glories. Just be vigilant about maintaining organic control measures to prevent the flies from returning in full force.