Bugs on Cilantro
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Bethel
Posted on: November 25, 2006

I am trying to grow cilantro during these fall/winter months in my windowsill. The seeds I planted are growing really nicely. There are little bugs (white, like little worms) and was wondering if there is anything I can do. Is it a good idea to plant herbs inside? How do I get rid of these little creatures?

You did not say where the little white worms were, so I assume they were in the soil. If this is so, they are the immature stage of gnats. The adults will be tiny black flies and be a nuisance more than harmful. The maggots do damage root tips if there are too many of them in the pot. The best way to get rid of them is to keep your plants on the dry side. If this is not an option, because some plants may not be able to grow unless kept quite wet, then try spraying with Scanmask (Richters catalogue number T2600). The nematodes hatching from this product will eat the gnats while they are pupating from maggot into fly in the soil.

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