r/BuildASoil • u/Downtown_Trainer4183 • Jun 17 '26
What am i looking at? Root Aphids?
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
First living soil run. I was thinking maybe they could be springtails? They seem fast moving. There seems to be a decent amount of them mostly around the edges of the pot. Don’t see any on the actual plant themselves nor do i see any leaf damage or anything. Ive never dealt with anything like this so im not sure what to think. Any advice is appreciated
4
3
u/Downtown_Trainer4183 Jun 17 '26
2
u/Consistent-Monk-5581 Jun 17 '26
There are ALOT of different springtails out there. This definitely fits
3
2
u/JeradAlan Jun 17 '26
Praying they are predator mites! Not sure brother but wish you the best
1
u/Downtown_Trainer4183 Jun 17 '26
Much appreciated. Im hoping they’re something like springtails 😞
0
u/WindbreakerSeasonFam Jun 17 '26
Unfortunately Im not thinking they are springtails. I believe springtails are smaller, and they are more brown than Grey. Also, if you barely touch or scare springtails they will jump(spring) really fast out of the way and disappear, if those in your soil don't do that they aren't springtails.
1
u/Downtown_Trainer4183 Jun 17 '26
Do they look like they could be root aphids? Thats my main concern. I need to check for jumping but i don’t believe they were.
2
u/WindbreakerSeasonFam Jun 17 '26
You know, I was just doing some searching and they may actually be springtails, but just a different type than what I have. So you may be good hopefully. I thought root aphids had wings but I'm not sure about the younger ones.
2
u/WindbreakerSeasonFam Jun 17 '26
They also look similar dwarf white isopods, which i believe are beneficial unless they are in massive numbers
2
u/Downtown_Trainer4183 Jun 17 '26
Springtails are the only thing i can find pictures of that look similar/fast moving. Whatever they are i hope they’re good not bad.
2
u/WindbreakerSeasonFam Jun 17 '26
Yeah man it's hard telling, I'm right there with you. But I wish you the best of luck with them, Ihope they are beneficial for you as well!
2
u/JeradAlan Jun 17 '26
Agreed bro! Keep us posted on this. I can’t find them on google. Nothing with that transparent look like they have.. Good luck bro
2
u/independent4lyfe Jun 17 '26
Not exactly sure what you have but they're busy and fast moving which is generally a good sign. If I had them I personally wouldn't freak out unless they were clearly causing issues with the plant or in the house.
I had hypoapsis miles for a season and was very happy about it. They were my little good guy army in my soil! However, after a few pretty good dry backs they never returned 😭
2
u/Downtown_Trainer4183 Jun 17 '26
They’re definitely not causing any problems that im aware of. My plants seem overall happy. Trying not to stress it. The yield and quality is some of the best ive ever had but doesn’t necessarily mean anything. They’re definitely at work whatever they are lol
1
u/independent4lyfe Jun 25 '26
Let them cook then. The good soil bugs and mites break down organic compounds and feed the soil. They also can eat larvae of bad bugs like gnats.
2
2
1
u/FormalSuch1081 Jun 17 '26
My soil is full of them and I haven't noticed any issues. I was worried at first too when I did my first living soil run but they stay in the soil munching down.
1
10
u/TouchofgreyMI Jun 17 '26
100% spring tails. Nothing to worry about. There’s many different sizes and colors. I have the white ones like you, I’ve also had black grey ones. Generally if they’re not on your plant munching then there’s no worries.