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Tiny little bugs...not sure if they are harmful.

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by skinnybonedog, Jan 21, 2012.

  1. Jan 21, 2012 #1
    skinnybonedog

    skinnybonedog Member

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    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Hi All,

    I have an Exo Terra vivarium at work that has has large swing open doors and gets opened many times per day. I do have a fan but find when I use it the plants just dry out too much. Anyway, when I get to work in the morning, the first thing I do is water/spray all the plants, most of which are mounted on cork or other wood with spagh. I see tons of teeny tiny little bugs run around really fast on the mounts and they seem to dive into the moss. I don't SEE any plant damage but they are so tiny I would think it would take awhile for them to harm a plant. If I just look at a mount I don't generally see them but if I mist or blow on a plant/mount....zoooommm, the little guys run all over. I keep forgetting to take in some insecticidal soap but was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on what these little guys are? They are not really on the plants themselfs, just the mounts and moss. I don't see them in the many vivariums I have at home....?? Should I try to get rid of them regardless of their intent...and if so what would be the best thing to use?

    Tammy
     
  2. Jan 21, 2012 #2
    Kermie

    Kermie Tadpole Supporting Member

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    Location:
    A little corner of Ontario, Canada
    Without a real description it is impossible to give a well guided answer, but with the information you gave I am wondering if they are spring tails? I've not had issues with them on my mounts, but I do get them from time to time in my potted orchids. They like to feed on the medium, occasionally roots, but leave them alone for the most part.
    You could try dunking a mount in water and see if these guys float to the top for a better view with a magnifying glass.
     
  3. Jan 21, 2012 #3
    skinnybonedog

    skinnybonedog Member

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    Location:
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    Hey Kermie,

    Haaa, I have grown springtails on purpose for frogs....lol....these don't "spring" like those did but I am sure there are many different species. These to me though, don't seem to be springtails but ??? I will try floating them off next week and put them under a loupe.

    Tammy
     
  4. Jan 21, 2012 #4
    Boytjie

    Boytjie Out hiking Supporting Member

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    Location:
    Rochester, NY
    If they're kind of a shiny gold/bronze color, I've got the same thing. Lightning-fast, and disappear when the lights come on. They haven't really seemed to bother the plants, but just to be on the safe side I blasted all my mounted plants with Safer soap, and they've been a bit scarce since then. -Stephen
     
  5. Jan 21, 2012 #5
    skinnybonedog

    skinnybonedog Member

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    Location:
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    They do seem to have a sheen to them....I can't see them all that well due to how small they are but they almost look like they have gold "wings" but I do not see them fly at all....but yes, super fast little buggers. I will spray them with I soap as soon I remember to take the bottle to work....