Help ID this pest
Help ID this pest
Hi all - noticed today that on the saucer of a few of my cacti there were very small bugs crawling about. Didn’t see any in the dirt or on the cacti themselves - just hiding on the saucer under the pot. Pictures aren’t great because they’re so small, but any suggestions on what they are/how to get rid of them would be greatly appreciated. When I dabbed some alcohol on them they turned black.
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- greenknight
- Posts: 4819
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
- Location: SW Washington State zone 8b
Re: Help ID this pest
Look like Springtails to me, not much of a problem as they mostly feed on dead organic matter. If they become very numerous they might do enough root chewing to affect growth, but they like moisture - make sure to let the pots dry out between waterings and that should keep their numbers down. Diatomaceous Earth will also help.
Spence
Re: Help ID this pest
Thank you SO MUCH! That makes sense as I gave my plants a thorough watering the other day and the pots were still damp when I noticed the bugs. Happy to hear they’re harmless, will just be extra careful when watering from now on. Thanks again!!!
Re: Help ID this pest
baby cockroach.