Question
Tiny 1/16" to 1/32" shiny black insects that crawl around in the soil. I am unsure if the same thing or something else also comes in white.In some plants have noticed tiny worms ranging from 1/16" to 1/4" long brown or reddish brown, may have even had some up to about 1" or different yet. Also have discovered thread like white worms ranging from tiny to at least 1", These have been observed in the soil, in the saucer after watering, and floating on top of water when attempting to flush them out. Have gone so far as to take approximately 100 plants outside and pour a solution of malathyon through them. My latest effort was changing the soil entirely, even rinsing the roots with water. Only to again discover them plaguing my plants again! This battle has been going on over at least a two year time period. During that course of time I have completely lost some plants to I believe Spider Mites and recently
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Answer
Hi Tammy
If you find insects living in your houseplant, make sure you quarantine the infected plant so others do not become inhabited. Try washing the plant with dish liquid and water to remove insects. If this doesn抰 help, spray with an insecticide. It is best to go ahead and change the potting soil, since a healthy, organic soil helps prevent eighty percent of insect damage. Before repotting, make sure to thoroughly clean pot and wash hands. If a plant is beyond saving, destroy it immediately and spray other plants as a precaution. When bringing in a new plant, it is best to isolate it for a week before placing it inside and around other plants.


Don抰 let an infestation take over and ruin the attractiveness a houseplant can add to your home. Follow this simple insect prevention to help keep your houseplants healthy and growing.

Fungus gnats: Tiny black or dark grey insects (2 mm long) that seem to be hovering around the soil and resting on pots or window glass are likely to be fungus gnats. The maggots of this tiny fly are in the soil, feeding on fungi. When they are too numerous they can damage the fine hairs of plant roots, but in most cases they are just a nuisance. Where fungus gnats are a problem if often means that plants are being overwatered. This should be corrected as soon as possible. The adult gnats are attracted to bright yellow and can be trapped on yellow sticky traps mounted on stakes in pots or hung from overhead. A light dusting of diatomaceous earth on the surface of the soil of the potted plants controls fungus gnats as they emerge.