skip to main content

Need help identifying soil pests

13 years ago

Hi,
This is my first post. I hope I can get some help. I have a few issues going on in my garden that I cannot identify and need to treat but I will start with the first one - bugs in soil. Every shovel-full that is about 4"-6" and deeper turns up these bugs. I think they look like termites, perhaps? But I am no expert. If indeed they are termites, how can I treat them naturally without poisoning my veggie plants? I have read about nematodes - would those be effective? Any help/information would be much appreciated

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

MeemPSL
Original Author
13 years ago
Here is another wider angle shot of what I see when I move the soil around... they congregate in groups it seems
susanzone5 (NY)
13 years ago
Are they causing any damage? They might just be some kind of larva, springtail or soil decomposer you can forget about. Soil is full of living creatures.
Related Professionals
Fort Wayne Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Merced Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Olympia Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Magog Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Sebring Landscape Contractors · Florence Landscape Contractors · Dubuque Landscape Contractors · Lewiston Landscape Contractors · Queens Landscape Contractors · DeRidder Kitchen Remodelers · Houma Kitchen Remodelers · Charleston Kitchen Remodelers · Charlottesville Kitchen Remodelers · Glenwood Springs Kitchen Remodelers · Lewiston Kitchen Remodelers
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
Meem, google 'springtail larvae ' images and compare with what you're seeing. Though your images are very good, it's still very difficult for anyone to tell the difference between termite or springtail nymphs. There are other possibilities, too.

If termites, what are they feeding on? They must have a food source. Also know that springtails are the most plentiful macroorganism on the planet. NOT A PEST!

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Flood-Tolerant Native Trees for Soggy Soil

By Steve Asbell

Swampy sites, floodplains, even standing water ... if you've got a soggy landscape, these trees are for you

PETS 6 Ways to Help Your Dog and Landscape Play Nicely Together

By Marianne Lipanovich

Keep your prized plantings intact and your dog happy too, with this wisdom from an expert gardener and dog guardian

KITCHEN DESIGN Key Measurements for Your Kitchen Design

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, dimensions and work zones

LIFE You Said It: ‘Put It Back’ If It Won’t Help Your House, and More Wisdom

By Becky Harris

Highlights from the week include stopping clutter from getting past the door, fall planting ideas and a grandfather’s gift of love

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Help Your Home Fit Into the Landscape

Use color, texture and shape to create a smooth transition from home to garden

EDIBLE GARDENS Natural Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Garden

By Abundant City

Use these techniques to help prevent the spread of weeds and to learn about your soil

GARDENING GUIDES Tree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them

By Falon Mihalic

Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action

GARDENING GUIDES Texas Gardener: What to Do in July

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Beat the heat with sun-loving blooms, pest control, good lawn care and sun protection. Pick up the pace for planting and planning

Sponsored

More Discussions

Slender Hinoki Cypress troubles

5