Eggs and Flies on my Hanging Baskets of Pansies?
By Mthomas
South Yorkshire,
United Kingdom 
Hi All,
Last month I bought some trays of Pansies and planted them into my hanging baskets. I've just noticed a) flies hanging around my baskets, and a load of yellowish covering on the soil.
I am trying to work out if these are eggs, and if so are they connected to the flies hanging around the basket and if these will cause me a problem for me and or the plants. I've taken a couple of pictures, grateful if anyone knows what this is and what can I do. (I am a total beginner..)
Thanks
Mik - Barnsley UK
2 Apr, 2017
Answers
What's the potting compost and where'd you get it from? Have you had it a while and its been somewhere where it got wet? Are your hanging baskets currently indoors or in a greenhouse?
2 Apr, 2017
Hi all
@Bamboo - The only link I can find to the compost is here (if we are allowed to paste links)
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/3-70-litre-bags-multi-purpose-compost-for-9-morrisons-2429381
Its Richmoor Premium compost.
@Loosestrife2, thanks for your advice. Funny thing is I have not watered them all week, but we have had lots of rain and damp. :/
I am just worried that they will eat the roots and damage the plants, but if harmless will leave alone, and scrape the top as suggested. Thanks All.
2 Apr, 2017
These flies are associated with the organic decomposition of soil material as well as the apparent fungal growth. It is in my opinion a harmless situation. Just allow the soil to dry out a bit and scrape the surface layer of soil with a spoon to keep it from getting a hard crust formed by intertwining fungal mycelia (hairs of fungal growth). Great photos. The fly in the bottom photo is a Psychodidae commonly known as a drain fly who's larvae feed on bacteria in stagnant water which could also be an indication that you are overwatering or not emptying out pot catch pans on a frequent basis.
2 Apr, 2017