Narlgoth Posted June 7, 2021 Report Share Posted June 7, 2021 (edited) Hey, looking for advice. Noticed today that I appear to have contracted an infestation of some kind of tiny bug in my CP/Cactus/Succulent colony. They look like tiny wingless black beetles (<1mm in size) with distinctive antennae and a roundish body. They appear to jump almost like a flea when disturbed but don't resemble springtails which have a longer profile. They seem to be congregated around the plant pot's sides, rim and drip plate rather then the plant itself, so I assume they are coming from the soil. Only odd ones are seen on the plants moving about. Based on research I think they may be 'Root Aphids', although ID is hard due to how small they are. If anyone can help ID them and give me information on how to get rid of them if they are a pest that would be great. They seem to only have infested one of the Venus Fly Trap pots, although I have seen odd ones wondering around on the whole collection so it maybe worse then suspected. Picture quality sucks but it's best I could get with the bugs been so tiny.. Edited June 7, 2021 by Narlgoth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linuxman Posted June 8, 2021 Report Share Posted June 8, 2021 If they are root aphids an article I saw said there is no chemical control, so your only option would be to re-pot in fresh compost. But if they're not root aphids you could try a good systemic pesticide, such as Provado Bug Killer. Do you see them congregating on the plant above soil level? If so, the systemic stuff may work. Alternatively, try dabbing them with isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narlgoth Posted June 8, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2021 (edited) Thanks for your response, I'm not sure what they are, hence I was hoping for help with an ID! They seem to not be congregating on the plant above soil level at all, they are much more active on the edge of the pot itself and the drip tray- when the pot is lifted some are visible underneath on the plate as if they had come from the soil.. No sign of major distress on the plants yet but its difficult to tell how long they have been infected. I may attempt a repot anyway.. I will need to hit the garden center to get enough new pots and the special compost mixes. Hope it's not too late to beat them assuming they are a pest! Edited June 8, 2021 by Narlgoth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobH Posted June 8, 2021 Report Share Posted June 8, 2021 Here are some images of root aphids to help you possibly identify your problem together with various means for their control: Root Aphids Kind regards, Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenofeden Posted June 8, 2021 Report Share Posted June 8, 2021 They are globular springtails, harmless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billynomates666 Posted June 8, 2021 Report Share Posted June 8, 2021 (edited) Post removed Edited June 8, 2021 by billynomates666 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narlgoth Posted June 8, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2021 Hello, thank you for your responses guys. Yes I believe based on some google browsing at people's Ids they are Globular Springtails. Apparently they feed on decaying matter and are harmless to my plants? Other then being creepy/crawly should I just leave them be then, or should I take measures to control them (as they are on my kitchen window sill indoors)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenofeden Posted June 8, 2021 Report Share Posted June 8, 2021 Leave them, quite a few people cultivate them to provide food for plants, also to eat detritus and fungi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali42 Posted December 18, 2021 Report Share Posted December 18, 2021 (edited) On 6/8/2021 at 11:45 PM, Narlgoth said: Hello, thank you for your responses guys. Yes I believe based on some google browsing at people's Ids they are Globular Springtails. Apparently they feed on decaying matter and are harmless to my plants? Other then being creepy/crawly should I just leave them be then, or should I take measures to control them (as they are on my kitchen window sill indoors)? You should leave them. I have faced the same issue. My plant seemed to be congregated on sides I searched weed killer. There were many verities. My plants are a little bit better from espoma. Edited December 18, 2021 by hali42 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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