Sciarid Fly
Also known as Fungus Gnats/Fruit Gnat or Black Fly, these are 1-2mm long, black in colour with winged veins.
Damage
Most damage is a result of the larvae feeding on the roots. The larvae of Sciarid fly can also spread mites, nematodes, viruses and fungal spores - resulting in further damage!
Tip - Sciarid flies are attracted to moist conditions around the root zone. Maintaining a lower water level in the growing media will make it difficult for the larvae to survive.
Thrips
A common problem for growers, thrips are Yellowy brown in colour and up to 3mm im length. The larvae are also yellowy brown in colour. Silver-grey slug like patches/trails and the black dots of their excreta on the leaves is usually a good indication that thrips have attacked your plants.
Damage
Thrips feed of your plants' cells, resulting in poor growth and loss of colour. At high infection levels, the leaves of your plants may wither. Thrips can spread infection from plant to plant.The most important virus transmitted by thrips is Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV).