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Tiny Brown Bugs in Houseplant Soil

Soil-Dwelling Insects: Ants or Woodlice?

Small brown/tan bugs crawling in soil of tropical houseplants.

Likely Culprits

Ants: Disturb roots, farm aphids.
Woodlice: Common in damp soil.

Action

Collect specimens in a matchbox for garden center identification. Purchase recommended insecticide (liquid, spray, or powder). Isolate infested plants immediately to prevent spread.

House Plants: Aphids on Drosera: Identification and Treatment with Imidacloprid; Identifying Mealybug Eggs in Plant Soil; Soil Insects: Alcohol Drench for Root Pests; Getting Rid of Soil Bugs in Small Pots; Tiny White Bugs in Houseplant Soil? Fungus Gnat Larvae—Fix by Drying Out and Alcohol Watering; Bugs in New Potting Soil: Water Submersion Removal; Spider Mites on Houseplants: Three-Tier Treatment; Harmless Soil Micro-Critters: Identification and a Quirky Trapping Method; Office Plant Fungus Gnats: Complete Control Guide; Avocado Plant Care: Water, Soil, Light, and Pruning

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