Question
Dear Darlene

I was recently given a house plant (a small tree like plant). I noticed one day when I was watering it that there were a large amount of bugs.  These bugs are long like centipededs but are not mealy worms or larvae bugs.  They can wiggle around and some are dark brown and larger than the others.  They like the soil but are not soil gnats.  They seem to respond to water.  What could they be and how do I treat it?  It appears that they are killing the plant.

Thanks
Kim

Answer
Kim,

I find it interesting that you are telling me what the insects are not but you have no idea what they are or what kind of plant you have. You have not provided enough description for me to identify your plant or the insects but I can tell you how to kill them. Fill an empty spray bottle with 70% isopropyl(rubbing)alcohol and spray the surface of the soil and all the leaves of the plant making sure you get the fronts and backs of all the leaves. Also water the plant with the alcohol so it kills all the insects in the soil.

Then be veery careful to let the plant dry out well between waterings. It is not supposed to be constantly wet. It is supposed to get dry before you water it again. You should only be watering it once a week or when it is getting nearly dry. Also make sure it is getting plenty of sun. I do not beleive the bugs were killing the plant but too much water and not enough sun was killing the plant. Improve all the conditions and your plant will get healthy.  Good luck.

Darlene