Little beasties in the roots

[Caro]

I potted up some chillis and capsicums and in some of the pots, I could seem some almost translucent little fly/beetle type things. They almost reminded me of silverfish, although they are minute.

Does anyone know what these are, and whether I need be concerned? I had a couple of plants where the leaves were curling in and looked deformed - but these were culled at the potting on stage as I kept the best specimens. The remaining plants all look fairly healthy (if somewhat spindly )

All advice appreciated

Many thanks

Caro

[rustylady]

Sounds like scariad fly larvae - also known as compost flies. They can eat the roots, and seem more prevalent if the compost is kept too wet

[Rabidbun]

Could try putting some gravel around the top of the pots - doesn't stop the next hatching of the little black flies, but seems *touch wood* to reduce their ability to lay the next batch of eggs.

[rana]

There are many small insects that inhabit soil doing little or no damage to the roots and may multiply disproportionately if the conditions suit them. These include things such as fungus gnats and their larvae, springtaills (little white things) etc. The above advice is appropriate and as we are talking peppers and chillis it would be a good idea to keep them on the dry side.

[Caro]

Thanks everyone.

I have been trying to not overwater the chillis, but I'll be especially careful now. Also, I'll get some gravel for the top of the pots. Maybe even some colourful, decorative stuff!

Thanks for the advice

Caro