Software
Houzz Logo Print
blunt_gw

Are these Springtails?

20 years ago

My Can of Worms is in its second year and running fairly well.

I've seen off the fruit flies by covering the compost more tightly with a circle of wool carpet, but now I'm plagued by millions (and I really do mean millions) of tiny white insects.

They jump about and hide when the lid comes off, and I find them floating in the sump; still, incredibly, jumping around on liquid.

I've looked at them closely with a lens and see that they are 2mm long, white/transparent, 6 legged & have distinct body parts(thorax, abdomen etc.)

the nearest thing I can find on the web is http://www.happydranch.com/invertebrates/springtail.html

Do I have a problem? should I be taking steps to get rid or are they harmless/helpful? Will they hurt my plants?(I've seen them in compost around my seedlings)

Thanks in advance

Great forum BTW

Comments (4)

Sponsored
Whisler Home Improvement
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars9 Reviews
Franklin County's Committed Home Improvement Professionals