WHAT in the world are these?!?!?

[Darkhorse]

There are large groups of something congregating on the bottom of some of my pots.  They're crawling in and out of the drainage holes, but the plants seem healthy other than bud drop issues (thrips, of course).  Are these termites?  Are they some other kind of thrip?  They're a bit larger and fatter than thrips, and gray in color.  They can fly and/or jump, and don't seem to enjoy when I turn the pots over to say hello to them.


Please help!!  I'm worried about my house if they're termites!!

I can try to get better pictures if needed.  My camera isn't really capable of closeups.

[Charlie]

I don't know Jordan. I bet there is somebody here who could help ID but the photos are too fuzzy. You could just use some Raid on the bottom and under the pots to drive them away most likely.

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

In reading more and upon closer examination I think they may be springtails.  They're little jumpers and don't have wings.  They're also quote fast for their size.  Dave may have been right...  perhaps they were eating my cuttings earlier this year and now are living in abundance under my pots.  I wonder if this has anything to do with my use of the Happy Frog potting soil.  It's rich in organic matter, and that's what they're supposed to eat...  

I've been reading that they also eat microbes and fungi, perhaps they're allies if they really are springtails...?

[Darkhorse]

Thanks Charlie for trying.  I've taken a few more, better photos.  I'm hoping they're harmless.

[Charlie]

Much better, Jordan. I still don't know those but somebody might. They seem to be attracted to the dark, moist, protected area underneath the pots more than to the hibiscus. If they become an irritant, most insects will avoid areas sprayed with the type of pyrethroid insecticides found in common ant and roach killers available at grocery stores.

Charlie