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Since we bought some soil from Tescos recently, we've suddenly had an influx of lots of tiny white bugs in our soil.

We have had spider-mites and aphids before, but these don't look like either (as far as I can tell).

Below are the best images I could get (with the best zoom I could muster).

They are building webs, but they have more structure than those we've seen of spider-mites we've had before (such as seen in this picture: https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/spider-mite-control/ ). They are also far whiter.

Could someone help me identify them and tell me how to get rid of them?

First picture of bugs in soil Second picture of bugs in soil Some bugs on a web Bugs on web Bugs on courgette leaf

Michal Paszkiewicz
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    I don't think you need to get rid of them. Trippy, white spiders. Could you please add some scale? These guys look like baby spiders not spider mite. All spiders are good spiders. I am amazed at the webbing! These are an orb spider of some sort! Orb spiders are not a poisonous, danger problem at all. These, I think, are baby spiders practicing their orb making skills. From what I've read these are very excellent to have in your garden! – stormy Jun 26 '18 at 20:09
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    Amazing pictures Michal. I am counting 6 legs, not eight? Might not be spiders at all and the webbing is from another animal, a spider. These look almost ant like? Grasshopper like? Jumping something or other? So bright white. I don't think they are liking the disruption from their nice cuddly dark world to be dumped in yours? I am transfixed! Ugh, more pictures for sure. – stormy Jun 26 '18 at 20:17
  • These bugs are all about 1mm in size, some maybe slightly bigger. They were just covering half of my veg. Very considerable amounts of webbing, but tonnes of these seem to just rest in the soil - I've sprayed them off with a hose, but I haven't resorted to any pesticides... yet. – Michal Paszkiewicz Jun 26 '18 at 20:22
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    Well, now I am into a possibility they might be termites. Hang on for just a bit. I hate using pesticide...the commercial stuff anyway. And I am Commercial Pesticide Applicator. Grins. Those that know don't use pesticides unless ABSOLUTELY a must. This webbing is amazing...could you please send a few more pictures? Do you have a friend with even better micro capability? – stormy Jun 26 '18 at 20:26
  • I think it'll have to wait a few days, because my hose just removed most of the webbing and bugs, but I'm sure they'll be back ;) – Michal Paszkiewicz Jun 26 '18 at 20:27
  • I can check amongst my friends for better micro, but I'm already using a pretty decent camera there.. p.s. my location is Greater London, England. – Michal Paszkiewicz Jun 26 '18 at 20:28
  • https://bugspray.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/TERMITE-WORKERS.jpg These guys look familiar? Most insect 'blooms' are temporary, they last for a few weeks and the insects go elsewhere. Thanks, Bamboo is from London, I'll go ping her... – stormy Jun 26 '18 at 20:44
  • It's hard to tell, they are so small, but their bodies seem a bit thinner and their legs a bit longer? – Michal Paszkiewicz Jun 26 '18 at 20:46
  • I would also call Tescos and ask them what these insects could be...they should know I would think. Bamboo might know... – stormy Jun 26 '18 at 20:47
  • I know but white gets weird against dart. I agree, longer bodies, longer legs would be better, not even close to an ID right now, grins. – stormy Jun 26 '18 at 20:48
  • not symphilids or fungus gnat larvae, great question and photos! – kevinskio Jun 26 '18 at 22:42
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    Those are not spiders. They clearly have 3 body segments and 6 legs. They are some kind of insect (which would fit with termites). – FuzzyChef Jun 27 '18 at 21:04

2 Answers2

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Long post..apologies in advance

Question #1:
Are they moving? Specifically, are they jumping? {{shivers down spine}}

Jumping = Springtails (below)

Springtail Nymphs

No Movement = could be the caste exosteleton of aphids (below)

Potato Aphid Exo

Question #2
If moving, have they made it to any vegetation and have you seen any damage or frass?

Conclusion: Neither Springtails or Aphid nymphs create webs. However one particular aphid (Wooly aphid) do produce white strands that are attached their bodies. Just from eyeballing it, I do not think that these are termites.
Will await your response and go from there!

iclimbtrees
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I agree. aphid exoskeletons. I have a 30x microscope and have been wondering what they were also. I did find adult aphids on the hibiscus buds and a ton of white skeletons on the leaves. So the white spots are skeletons and there are hundreds, but only find adults by the tens. Using mild soap and water spray every two days to see if that works.

kevinskio
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Randy
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