unknown soil bugs

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PrivateAero

Member

• Jun 6, 2011

• #1

So I thought they were aphids but after looking at pics of aphids have decided no. They look like nearly microscopic pieces of white rice which must have legs (eyes aren't good enough to tell for sure). I also see what I believe to be their larvae. They are 2 to 3 times as long as others and seem to have one end stuck to the soil while the other end roams around. They aren't white though, more of a dirty white or brown.
I've also seen a much larger bug that looks like a spider or a tick. These are still very small but several times the size of the smaller ones.
I'm hoping these bigger ones are eating the smaller ones, idk.
I treated 2 plants w/asamax and 2 with peroxide. I also like to water and hit the top of soil with a spray of doctor doom, though I don't think its as effective as it is fun to watch them die !!!

any thoughts?

 

SELFHEMPLOYED

सदस्य

Veteran

• Jun 6, 2011

• #2

i think the white rice looking ones are fungus gnat larva.. not sure on the rest.

 

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PrivateAero

Member

• Jun 6, 2011

• #3

I wish they were, I don't mind fungus gnats but I don't have any gnats whatsoever . thx for quick reply

 

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PrivateAero

Member

• Jun 6, 2011

• #4

thinking they are root aphids for sure, bringing in a loupe tomorrow to check. would someone direct me to a good thread concerning this issue

 

SELFHEMPLOYED

सदस्य

Veteran

• Jun 6, 2011

• #5

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=159960

It's all there.

 

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PrivateAero

Member

• Jun 7, 2011

• #6

thx man, I can't seem to figure out the search function on forums.

 

big_daddy

Member

• Jun 7, 2011

• #7

PrivateAero.

It's possible that what you are seeing are soil mites which are actually beneficial in a living soil. See if the info in the link helps to identify the critters.

I have the tiny white soil mites described in my worm bin, and am happy to have them there. Are these what you're seeing?

Hope this helps,

b_d


soil-mites_cluster

 

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SOTF420

Humble Human, Freedom Fighter, Cannabis Lover, Bre

ICMag Donor

Veteran

• Jun 7, 2011

• #8

Last time I used FFOF soil I got those little mites all over the top of the soil and sides of the smartpots but they did not bother the plants. Neem oil did not seem to kill them.

 

Corpsey

pollen dabber

ICMag Donor

Veteran

• Jun 7, 2011

• #9

sounds like good guys to me, here are some of my decomposers under some mulch

 

mad librettist

Active member

Veteran

• Jun 7, 2011

• #10

your corpse, do you realize those things are fornicating right next to your root system!

have you no shame!?!

 

Corpsey

pollen dabber

ICMag Donor

Veteran

• Jun 7, 2011

• #11

no shame in my game.

i invite them in to eat, sleep, and fuck! oooooooyeaaaah

 

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PrivateAero

Member

• Jun 8, 2011

• #12

my buddy has a 200x digital microscope, I'm going to get it over here and take a pic. Was hoping to get it tonight but he's outta town. thx for all the help. It's either those or the "micros root aphids" from the link

 

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PrivateAero

Member

• Jun 9, 2011

• #13

I've been drying them out and just watered them, I'll look tomorrow to see if any are still around