Harmful Bugs in Old Potting Soil
When planting in pots, always use sterile potting soil, preferably new, as stored, open bags are prone to infestation of harmful bugs. Always use disinfected pots and planters and never use garden soil, says The Garden Helper, a gardening educational website. Does this Spark an idea?
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Ants
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Black, brown or red ants may burrow into potting soil to build their nests and colonies, damaging the roots and carrying away seeds and seedlings in the process. Ants are attracted to aphids, mealybugs and other insects producing honeydew.
Fungus gnats
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Fungus gnat larvae are small white worms that live in damp soil, damaging smaller roots. Insecticidal spray will take care of the mosquito-like mature gnat, which causes the plant to lose color and drop leaves.
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Millipedes
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Millipedes and centipedes generally don't harm potted plants directly and can actually be beneficial; however, millipedes can damage plant roots when too many are in the soil, says the S&M Exterminating Co.
Slugs
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Slugs and snails are fleshy and slimy and range from light brown to black. They thrive on moist soil, feeding on plant leaves, flowers, stems and roots and their presence is evident by shiny trails of slime they leave behind on their path.
Springtails
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Springtails are hopping insects common in the springtime that come out at night and are very hard to see due to their size. They are attracted to moisture and organic matter in potting soil and can chew on seedlings and the softer parts of a plant near the soil's surface.
Tips for prevention
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According to The Garden Helper, drenching soil with insecticidal soap as well as the use of systemic insecticides is an effective way to remove harmful soil bugs and pests. Also, isolate the potted plant once bugs have been discovered, to discourage their spread to other plants and soil.
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