I have some small bugs in my medium

Question

I have some small white and brown bugs in the soil of my plants. I have also seen them crawling on the pots. They are not on the leaves and no evidence of feeding on the leaves at all. I can see them crawling on the top of the dirt and since there are no roots at the top of the medium, I figured it must be soil mites. But I’m not sure! They are either soil mites or root aphids, but how can I tell the difference?

Also, my lemon tree leaves are now curling and falling off prematurely. If someone could help me to identify these pests, it would be much appreciated. Also, what kind of treatment can I do to save my plants? Oh and I have also seen either a centipede or a millipede–hard to tell what it was as it was too quick to catch or take a pic. of it but it had lots of legs and was long and skinny!

Answer 1

I would check the rootball. If you see a white fungus like substance, it is root aphids. As you are having plant decline, I doubt it is soil mites as they do not attack healthy roots.

Regardless of the pest, treat the plant and soil with a pesticide. I prefer neem oil as it is organic and people and pets safe. The lemon tree's problems should clear up once the pests is eliminated.

Answer 2

thanks I kind of posted the same question twice lol i was in a panic! I have not looked at the root ball yet but I definitely will and I did not know about the white fungus so thanks again!!