Question
Hi

I've had an indoor bonsai ficus tree group for some time but only recently noticed these little critters in the soil. They are very small - at most a couple of millimeters across. They have antenna and an abdomen about twice the size of the head and no wings. They are not found on the leaves or trunk at all but on and around the soil.

They could be springtails, but they don't jump (and don't fly without wings, obviously). They do however crawl along quite fast and are off-white or brown in color. I don't think they are red spider mites because as far as I know, those mites are found on the tree/leaves and are red - these are neither.

Do you have any idea what they might be? I've looked everywhere and can't identify them. Thanks and regards.

Answer
Hi Paul,

It's always difficult to diagnose pests without seeing them, but it sounds like you are describing Aphids. But you said your pests do not have wings or fly, so that should rule out Aphids.

Have you tried using an insecticide or a product like Neem oil to get rid of these?

Sorry - i wish i could be more helpful.