Tiny Flies in my Mint Plant

[amethiste]

Hello All!

I have a mint plant in a window box. Little tiny gnats or flies keep attacking it. The leaves get little brown spots and brown bumps appear on the stalks. How do I get rid of these pests before they kill my plant?

Thanks in advance.

[jvanderh]

Mint regrows like a weed, and I wouldn't like to eat diseased leaves. In that situation, I'd probably rip off three or four fat pieces of root about an inch long, toss out the dirt and plant, rinse off the root just to be safe, and replant the root with new dirt in the pot. You'll be amazed how quickly it regrows.

[CCSPRINGS]

Scrub them off with a hose. Make sure the window box gets enough water, the bugs may be taking advantage of a stressed plant.

If that doesn't work try a bit of soapy water in a spray bottle.