It all started with organic compost I bought from the HW store. It brought gnats to my home, and after trying to break the larvae cycle and what not I decided to try nematodes, their natural predator.
They got rid of the gnats but now my plants are PLAGUED with this bug I have no idea what is called. They look like mites (not the right red color I think), or spiders, or idk (one plant appears to have a web on the ground). Could you please help ID these little suckers so I can try to get rid of this biblical punishment?
We water plenty once every 1-2 weeks depending on how long it takes for the dirt to dry, and they get indirect sunlight.
Thanks…
by cl0udbook
11 Comments
I am not completely sure about that, but for 99% I am sure they are just beneficial Microorganismus. They feed from the mold and dead Plantmaterial. I would watch the Plant over the next days, weeks and maybe post an update if it gets worse.
Those is springtails.
Springtails. Beneficial decomposers. You’ve just never looked this closely at dirt before.
Springtails, mites and other critters will always be present, its perfectly natural.
If they are visible as a moving mass it may suggest the soil is perhaps a little too warm, damp and organic as they just love to munch the rotting veg and microfauna (and sometimes each other). Good eating means.population explosions.
You could try adding a thin layer of the coarse gravel or twigs and they will happily do their busy work in the shade. And avoid the temptation to peek.
Is that mold on the soil? That may be the reason
Das sind Springschwänze, 100% Harmlos sie ernähren sich von abgestorbenem Bodenmaterial. Um sie los zu werden einfach etwas antrocknen lassen und somit weniger Feuchtigkeit zufügen. Von unten giessen wäre eine gute Maßnahme
I also think those are just springtails, I would let them do their thing 💜
The mites will eat the fungus in the soil and then their numbers will reduce.
I’ll take some of those springtails for my millipede tank, they do a good job keeping it clean!
People on here will say springtails but I disagree. Those looks like stratiolaelops scimitus or some sort of earth mite. Both are beneficial.
Edit: Stratiolaelops scimitus is a predatory mite that feeds on fungus gnats.
Those do look like springtails but do you have magnifying glass or something to get a better look? They’re good guys like everyone else said. Also if there is mold on top of soil you may be overwatering.