I'm growing some indoor plants, and when I water the top soil, I notice tiny bugs scurrying around.?

Question

As some people may recall, I pinched some Baptisia seed pods and planted them in the the soil of an established Brugmansia [Angle Trumpet]. Most of the seeds have sprouted, and I'm enjoying their growth.

I normally water by adding smidgeon amount of H20 to the bottom dish the original Brugmansia (and now Baptisia) is growing in every day or so.

Last night I decided to water from the top. To my surprise, I noticed tons of super tiny bugs scurrying around like ants who just had their hill kicked over. I really had to squint to see them, and they move very quickly.

When the soil is dry I don't see these creatures. During the scramble, I thought I could see what looked like wings, but there is nothing flying around, just a lot of leg work.

Their color blends in with the soil color, they are real tiny, and they only get excited when the top soil is wet.

I suspect these guys are good for my soil.

I love microcosms! Any ideas on who they are and what they are doing? Thanks

Answer 1

I had a problem like this in my home. Sounds like fungus gnats. These little critters are hard to see unless you pay attention and they will cause damage to the root structure. Several products are on the market and will kill these things fast. Things to consider... the potency of the bug killer... is it organic, how long will this be in your living environment and do you have any animals that this might effect. Lots to think about when working with pesticides.

Answer 2

I hate to join the band wagon here. But "one ticket please".

I think they are 'fungus gnats' or 'soil gnats'. I'm not sure that they are causing damage to your plants... directly. They feed on decomposing plant material (as I understand it), most of "potting soil" is what they call "soil-less mixes". Which means that the whole bag is mostly partially decomposed sphagnum peat moss.
Which is also gnat food.

They thrive in wet conditions. You might have to take a break from the water, and allow the plants to thoroughly dry out, almost to the point of wilting. That may kill some of the population.

Water the plants (all of them) with an insecticidal soap & water mix. Always follow the directions on the label. Repeat 3 or 4 times. Aeresols and sprays need to make direct contact (wet) or the poison won't work. If you apply the soap as in your water, it will sit on the soil, so when the gnats come back, blammo!

They are difficult to control, you'll definately need to make repeat applications.

Without being there I can't actually make a diagnosis, but the insecticidal soap should kill off many critters.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 3

You need to kill the little creatures. If you don't you'll be sorry. This is a very common problem, especially w/plants bought at big-box stores like wal-mart. These little bugs will spread to any other plants you have in your home.

Buy some bug killer, i recommend powder or liquid (the aerosol stuff is not good indoors) and use it as directed. You will likely need to use several applications, and may even need to change the soil. These little gremlins are tough to get rid of, so act quick before they spread!

Answer 4

I had those once years ago. I don't think that they are a good thing. Now I wash every plant that I bring into the house and make sure that everything is clean and sterile. I half kill the plants, but if they survive they don't have any bugs. And I never bring outdoor plants inside.

I think you have to wash the plants and change the dirt.

Answer 5

I am not really sure what they are but I do know they are not good for your plants- I had them in my terrarium with my Venus fly traps and my pitcher plants- it was 3 weeks after the bugs showed up that everything died- the soil smelled funny too- and I had grown those plants for 3 years, then after the bugs they all died

Answer 6

ew bugs . kill them they are eating your plants and killing them