How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies on Ascot Rainbow Spurge Plant

Fruit flies can be a real nuisance, especially when they start swarming around your houseplants The Ascot Rainbow Spurge (Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’) is particularly prone to fruit fly infestations because of its succulent foliage and moist soil. However, there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of fruit flies on your Ascot Rainbow Spurge plant

Why Fruit Flies are Attracted to Ascot Rainbow Spurge

The Ascot Rainbow Spurge has colorful green and cream variegated leaves that retain moisture. Fruit flies are drawn to the moist, humid environment. Additionally, the spurge plant has naturally occurring sap that can seep out of the stem and leaves. This sweet sticky sap is irresistible to fruit flies as a food source. As an added bonus for the flies, the sap provides the perfect place for them to lay their eggs near a food supply.

Fruit flies are also attracted to decomposing plant material and fungi in the soil both of which are common in potting mixes. The spurge’s soil stays consistently damp making it an ideal location for fruit fly eggs and larvae to thrive.

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies on Ascot Rainbow Spurge

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to break the fruit fly life cycle and eliminate them from your Ascot Rainbow Spurge plant.

Use Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are a simple way to catch adult fruit flies. Place the traps around the base of the plant and check them frequently to replace once covered in flies. Trapping the adults prevents them from reproducing and laying more eggs in the soil.

Allow Soil to Dry Out Between Waterings

Fruit flies need moist soil to breed. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings. This creates an uninhabitable environment for fruit fly eggs and larvae. Be careful not to let the plant wilt.

Remove Excess Sap

Gently wipe leaves and stems with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated sap, Eliminating this food source discourages fruit flies from laying eggs on the plant,

Apply a Layer of Sand or Gravel

Cover the top of the potting mix with a 1⁄2 inch layer of sand or gravel. This prevents adult fruit flies from reaching the soil to lay eggs. It also blocks larvae from emerging from the soil to develop into mature flies.

Use a Fan

Place a small fan near your Ascot Rainbow Spurge to keep air circulating. Moving air makes it difficult for fruit flies to fly around and land on the plant.

Repot the Plant

For severe infestations, repot the plant in fresh sterile potting mix. This eliminates any fruit fly eggs and larvae living in the old soil. Be sure to sanitize the pot before refilling with new mix.

Use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) based Insecticide

BT is a natural bacteria that specifically targets fly larvae when sprayed onto the soil, without harming plants. Apply every 5-7 days according to label instructions to break the fruit fly life cycle.

Make a Trap Jar

Fill a jar with 1⁄2 inch of apple cider vinegar. Add a drop of dish soap to break the vinegar’s surface tension. Cover jar opening with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Poke small holes in the plastic with a toothpick. Fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar, but get trapped in the soapy solution once inside.

Prevent Fruit Flies on Ascot Rainbow Spurge

Prevention is the best way to avoid fruit fly infestations in your Ascot Rainbow Spurge plant. Follow these tips to make your plant less appealing to fruit flies:

• Allow soil to dry out between waterings
• Provide good drainage and air circulation
• Remove diseased leaves and stems
• Clean any accumulated sap
• Avoid over-fertilization which promotes excessive foliage growth
• Keep nearby ripe fruit cleaned up
• Inspect new plants closely before bringing home

With vigilance and these control methods, you can keep fruit flies away from your Ascot Rainbow Spurge and enjoy its unique foliage without pesky insects swarming about. Act quickly at the first sign of flies before they have a chance to multiply.