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Since we bought some soil from Tescos recently, we've suddenly had an influx of lots of tiny white bugs in our soil.

We have had spider-mites and aphids before, but these don't look like either (as far as I can tell).

Below are the best images I could get (with the best zoom I could muster).

They are building webs, but they have more structure than those we've seen of spider-mites we've had before (such as seen in this picture: https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/spider-mite-control/ ). They are also far whiter.

Could someone help me identify them and tell me how to get rid of them?

First picture of bugs in soil Second picture of bugs in soil Some bugs on a web Bugs on web Bugs on courgette leaf

Michal Paszkiewicz
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2 Answers2

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Long post..apologies in advance

Question #1:
Are they moving? Specifically, are they jumping? {{shivers down spine}}

Jumping = Springtails (below)

Springtail Nymphs

No Movement = could be the caste exosteleton of aphids (below)

Potato Aphid Exo

Question #2
If moving, have they made it to any vegetation and have you seen any damage or frass?

Conclusion: Neither Springtails or Aphid nymphs create webs. However one particular aphid (Wooly aphid) do produce white strands that are attached their bodies. Just from eyeballing it, I do not think that these are termites.
Will await your response and go from there!

iclimbtrees
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I agree. aphid exoskeletons. I have a 30x microscope and have been wondering what they were also. I did find adult aphids on the hibiscus buds and a ton of white skeletons on the leaves. So the white spots are skeletons and there are hundreds, but only find adults by the tens. Using mild soap and water spray every two days to see if that works.

kevinskio
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Randy
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