Question
I am pretty new at this house plant thing.  I need your help.  I purchaged 3 plants (from same place) a couple months ago.  In one of the plants I noticed these tiny tiny worm-like creatures in the soil.  They have a lot of legs.  Sometimes they are on top of the soil and I have seen then dig and go into the soil.  I have recently noticed that some are in another plant (purchased seperately) and located across the room.  First, what are they?  Are they bad for the plants?  How do I get rid of them?  They are starting to gross me out.  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Dear Benita,

Oh what a shame - at first I thought your plants [what type are they I wonder?] must have gnat maggots but I don't think these have a lot of legs.  But caterpillars have lots of legs but normally it is the leaves they go for. But maybe they are earthworms which enter through the drainage holes  or even woodlice which have lots of legs but they are not worm-like as you say.   You have to establish what they are as the treatment is different.  Can you collect some to take to your local store to identify for you?  Put them in a matchbox and don't let them escape!!

If they are maggots the soil needs to be watered with a solution of Malathion but if they are caterpillars you will need to buy pellets.  If you have any pets in your house then you need to partially cover the pellets so the animal cannot see them as they are poisonous to pets and wildlife.  If they are worms or woodlice the treatment is different - an insecticide called BHC should be sprayed or dusted around the base of the plant.  Whatever they turn out to be I would put the affected plants outside in the shade, if this is possible, so that they do not infect other plants.

I do hope you manage to eradicate whatever they are.  Good Luck

Diana