Mites or gnats i think...

I'm not sure but can't tell if this is an aphid or gnat? I tried to get a good picture. There are running around on the soil and the big ones like the leaves. I am trying to stay organic and not use chems. The plants get good sunlight and as you can see they are still growing ok so far.

I am trying to figure out the best/easiest/safe for plants way to rid of them.

Also any other tips for these guys would be great as well

springtail

Are you for sure? Not to doubt you or anything...

Komkid said:

Are you for sure? Not to doubt you or anything...

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I'm more positive that it is a springtail and NOT,mites,aphids or gnats


fill that pot all the way up to top, those shoots you abused will become huge roots

Ok perfect. Anything I can do to remove the effectively? Harmless to my plants?

Use DE ( Diatomeaous Earth ) as a top soil dressing -


Diatomaceous Earth (often referred to as "DE") is an off white talc-like powder that is the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. When sprinkled on a bug that has an exoskeleton (such as bed bugs, ants or fleas) Or various Garden Pests. it compromises their waxy coating so that their innards turn into teeny tiny bug jerky. But it doesn't hurt mammals or People.

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around edges of garden beds. The diatoms particles are very small and sharp – but only harmful to the small exoskeletons of insects, slugs and snails. Insects cannot become immune to its action, as it is a mechanical killer – not a chemical one

Komkid said:

Ok perfect. Anything I can do to remove the effectively? Harmless to my plants?

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I believe they are a sign of having a good organic soil and are harmless.

I see them on the leaves. I am assuming that they dont hurt or eat plants. I have read somewhere that they might go for the roots? Also with that powder how much should I put on?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Safer-Brand-4-lb-Diatomaceous-Earth-Ant-and-Crawling-Insect-Killer-51702/202743025

I'm sorry for all the questions :/

Springtails are relatively harmless but reproduce rapidly , they jump and do not fly.
They usually infest houseplants and gardens that are found in soil that is excessively damp or in soil mixes contain a high percentage of peat. They feed on decaying roots and fungi and rarely, if ever, damage plants.

Ok. So just put that DE on top of the soil and they will eventually die off?

They are more of a nuisance pest ( but multiply rapidly ) , I would kill them since they will move to all of your plants. They bring nothing beneficial. I still would clean the shit out of your grow room at some point too.

Ya I used mostly organic soil so maybe that's why they like it so much?

I usually sprinkle a bit on top of soil BETWEEN watering or FEEDING , then I scrape off and procede with feed/water . Then sprinkle some more on top. As the insects walk , jump or move thru the DE it will dry them out I do not recommend " dusting " any leaves or buds , because it will stick to the triches.

It's available at Home Depot ( $9 ) or at local nursery ( a little goes a long ways ).

Judging by the pics if you can and these pests and the condition of my plants does it look like I have overwatered them?

Komkid said:

Judging by the pics if you can and these pests and the condition of my plants does it look like I have overwatered them?

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Nah , they look ok . If you overwatered they would droop noticeably.

Ya I'm a newb at this sorry. They already kinda smell good

Komkid said:

Ya I'm a newb at this sorry. They already kinda smell good

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No prob. Here to help ... Good luck on your grow

I will definitely be staying on this forum for sure! You guys are AWESOME!