I've taken notice that Roots is coming with the 'root aphids' or whatever the hell they are, again. Kinda like fruit flies or something. No problems all winter but now they're showing up in the Roots again plus I think Roots is running a little hot now, at least the last batch I bought it. It was a fresh batch just shipped in, the guy at the grow store said.
I had that problem myself. Yes they're root aphids not to be confused with fungus gnats. These things are a pain to get rid of. They seem far more resistant to pesticides thrips and fungus gnats. They fly around and get stuck in the buds and die. If you ever do hydro it is just sick how fast they multiply and cover the roots. They are like little ticks sucking on the precious roots. Then they grow wings and multiply. I don't think they have a worm like larva stage like the fungus gnats. I've seen them in extremely small sizes. One time I had them so bad after spraying the top of my soil I seen a layer of them moving across the floor. It looked so unreal and it took a second for me to realize because they were so small. I used a dishsoap water mix for the little cocksuckers. I think this is when I also observed they really like to take advantage of the holes in the bottom of pots.
What helped me control them was fertilome triple action. its pyrethrins and neem oil. I don't like using chemicals myself but when I do I try to research what the safer ones are. Im sure we all know about neem oil, but neem doesn't kill. Pyrethrins are actually organic and made from chrysanthemum flowers. It quickly breaks down in light and oxygen. Now another common one are pyrethroids and other similar names usually with -oids at the end. These are synthetic and bad for the environment. They take a long time to break down. Pyrethrins are also one of the most commonly used pesticides used by farmers. In theory they are supposed to be harmless to us. Humans do not have the receptors in our brains for them to attach to. Bugs on the other hand, it is their worse nightmare. Also may be dangerous for certain pets like fish and cats if I'm not mistaking. I cannot guarantee how safe it is but I never wear a mask or use gloves with it. I think I have went over a teaspoon per gallon but I'm not sure how much is too much. I just would add it when the plant needed water next. then i would mix 1 teaspoon per quart in a spray bottle and spray the top of the soil very heavy. I heard neem and other pesticides can kill your microbes though. I'm not sure if it's true or not.
My favorite way to battle the aphids chemical free grow stones gnat nix. It's recycled glass and not sharp enough to cut you when handling it. In fact I don't wear gloves with this stuff either. I do wear a mask because it is very dusty. Put a top layer on your soil. It cuts their bodies up if they try to surface. To prevent them from coming out of the bottom of your pots, I just switched to all smart pots. If you ever do hydro they are even worse but at the same time easier to get rid of. get an appropriate sized bucket and dip the net pot in a strong mixture of the water and fertilome. Watch the bodies float. Rinse well with water. Repeat a few times every few days to kill any survivors and hatchlings.
I did both of these to get rid of my bugs. I stopped using everything now all the sudden I got thrips
last time I had them a couple dr doom bombs wiped them out completely. I just hate using chemicals though. I don't know of any hidden dangers with the ones I use but I take the risk.
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=159960 some decent info.
Amazing pics btw. 10/10
