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Bug identifying #863057

Asked April 01, 2024, 5:33 PM EDT

What insect is this? They appear on Terra cotta saucer. Sansaveria hannia propagated by root division and planted in new Terra cottage pots w/succulent catus mix from commercial bag mix. I wash off saucer and use neem oil, then they reaapear. Picture uploaded.

Freeborn County Minnesota

Expert Response

I can’t actually identify the insect from the photo. These are the larvae of an insect that apparently travelled with the roots of the plant you divided. 

I would remove it from the pot, wash the pot in a weak bleach solution - say 5%. Also, drench the plant and roots in soapy water. 

After replanting you may have to drench the plant again if you see new emergence, but the soapy water should kill the larvae. 

Or - Just try drenching the plant and soil with soapy water first to see if that works. 

Deb Reierson Replied April 04, 2024, 2:37 PM EDT
They're springtails is my non u of m guess..did you zoom in?

On Thu, Apr 4, 2024, 13:37 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 04, 2024, 4:23 PM EDT

They do look like springtails. You could still use the soapy water drench. Then be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. 

Sansevieria are in the cacti family and need very little water. You can getaway with watering it once a month or even less.  

https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/springtails

Deb Reierson Replied April 05, 2024, 11:24 PM EDT

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