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White small pain in the ass

Springtails are usefull, they help break down the organic bits into the soil in turn feeding the smaller soil organisms. 
 
Those look like fungus gnats to me. I just went through that.They look and move exactly how mine did.

Literally the same little half size maggot looking things beneath my perlite layer.

And mine, for sure, were fungus gnats.

I wouldn't worry too much. Let the soil dry out almost completely a few times in a row and you will disrupt their life cycle. That should be enough, BUT...
 
If you need to work fast, you can use BT, Azamax, or mosquito dunks and soil drench. If you are in an enclosed area, you can let the adults die naturally with the dry soil (recommended); or you can use a bug bomb (enclosed space only), they are very sensitive to the no-mess bug bombs you can get from HD or Lowes. But those should be your LAST resort. I did try it and I found absolutely no problems, mess, or films with the "no-mess" foggers. Foggers were ESPECIALLY effective with thrips, BTW. One bomb and not a single thrip AT ALL since.
 
robbyjoe01 said:
If it's not a ladybug, praying mantis, or a predatory wasp.....KILL Let nature sort it out
The Mantids are not selective so they will eat good as well as bad bugs.
Hybrid Mode 01 said:
 
     Lacewings, earthworms and bees are welcome in my garden. Just give me yours instead of killing them.
I'd add beetles, ants, and sow-bugs as well.
 
Proud Marine Dad said:
You better do a little research.
On what?
 
Japanese beetles are the most abundant beetles in my garden. They're invasive. They eat pepper leaves and others. You can have them if you want.

Hybrid Mode 01 said:
 
     I think he's kidding. 
 
     I hope...
I'm not kidding. I don't need beetles in my garden. Unless we're including ladybugs, I'm all set. If the only way to kill all the japanese beetles included killing all beetles, I would do it.
 
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