I was out checking the bonsai trees today and say something that was a little scary to me . When lifting up the pots I noticed a bunch of little tiny bugs like 1/16" or smaller up to maybe 1/8". They were darting around a scampering into holes in the treated lumber. They were brownish in color and had two very long hairy looking things sticking out above each eye. There was also some very small gnats around which I am assuming had to do with moisture from a lot of rain lately. Should I be spraying the trees and the boards they are on with a systemic?
GNATS AND TINY BUGS
- Thread starter August44
- Start date
LeftHandLuke
Shohin
I've come to believe the best defense is a strong offense. When in doubt, hit 'em with BIOADVANCED Insecticide Fungicide Miticide 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control. No idea what critters you're describing but certain the old 3-in-1 will take them out.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
No.
- The world is not a sterile place. Live and let live.
- You do not know what you have there. For all you know they might be predatory mites going after your spider mites
- A systemic is designed to be taken up by the plant and do its work there. Spraying it on board makes no sense
Stop thinking killing, and start thinking cohabiting.
Javaman4373
Shohin
I have had fungus gnats in some plants in pots. I read a tip on line that seemed to help a lot with them. It is to cover the surface of the soil with sand. Apparently these gnats have larvae that feed on organic matter in the soil and they don't like a sandy top on the soil. It also helps to keep the soil on the dry side if you can, depending on what is planted.
BobbyLane
Imperial Masterpiece
Sounds like a job for Mitey Mouse, no job is too big or too small! 
LeftHandLuke
Shohin
I'm doing my best to go back and amend the ill-informed, dumbass statements that I've made on this forum. I learned that what I stated above was absolutely wrong. It's the kind of thinking that had me killing wasps because they don't serve a purpose (they do!) and not caring to identify ladybug larvae and not recognizing how amazing they are. I still have a need for some pest control measures but best defense is not as I stated above. The best defense is to understand the nature of nature. I was actually reminded of this when I saw a YT short from this random YouTuber that made me think... That sounds like what @leatherback said in that thread back in 2023. Good advice from both of these guys.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Wasps are predators. They eat meat. I like having them around. They hunt and eat a lot of bad actors like canker worms aphids and even scale. They’re ornery so give them some room. swatting and screaming agitates them. Calm quiet prevents stings
leatherback
The Treedeemer
and don't forget about their fly appetite!
