Question
Thanks for your fantastically speedy response.

How big are the critters relative to the head of a pin?

Um, they are head of a pin sized?  Half that even.  Small, super small.  Like the intelligence of my bf.

Do you ever see them in the soil?

No, sir.  Only underneath.  And they leave little dooty droppings, too, almost like worm casings, but smaller.  

Do you ever add food or beverage substances to the soil? How about compost?

No again.  I save the food & bevvies for myself.

What is the source of the soil that your plants are potted in?

The source?  1 part peat, 1 part potting soil, 1 part perlite.  Or something like that.

Were the plants outside in the summer?

No, sir.  Never, ever.  However, I generally keep my potting soil outside, although contained in a sealed bag.

Sorry about all the questions, but I am trying to identify the bugs and their source.

No need to apologize.  Your questions are why we love you!

Thanks in advance for all your help, dude.

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Followup To

Question -
Here's the deal.  I've noticed small white bugs, not mealies, but weird little translucent critters that seem to be living UNDER the pots. I generally try to let my plants dry out quite a bit, but even still, when I pick up my plants to water them, litte teeny tiny whitish bugs go a'running.  Any ideas?

Answer -
Hi BBop,

How big are the critters relative to the head of a pin?

Do you ever see them in the soil?

Do you ever add food or beverage substances to the soil? How about compost?

What is the source of the soil that your plants are potted in?

Were the plants outside in the summer?

Sorry about all the questions, but I am trying to identify the bugs and their source.

  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com  

Answer
Hi Amy,

Thank you for your erudite and amusing reply to my questions. Your light-hearted touch is a welcome change of pace for me on this site!

Now for the business at hand: those are micro-critters that don't have another name because they are too insignificant to warrant a name, not unlike your bf. They will not harm your plant or you or your dog or your bf so you can safely ignore them.

However, I am guessing you have a bit too much time on your hands so you would like to do something to keep yourself occupied and feeling productive. So here is a treatment that I guarantee you will not find elsewhere!

Place three beer bottle caps between the bottoms of the pots and the saucers of the afflicted plants. Then slide some thinly sliced raw potatoes in the space between pot and saucer. The micro-critters will be attracted to the warm, moist slices like bees to honey or like your bf to ....Replace the potato slices daily until you no longer find micro-critters on them.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos of your bf, I may be able to provide some additional insights.