---
title: "I've got these guys in the bottom of my terracotta of my false…"
description: "I've got these guys in the bottom of my terracotta of my false shamrock. Wondering if they're maybe just springtails? I've just been putting a bit of mouth…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/QfCcdByvkk8sYK6xtgJudP"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Red"
published: "2025-03-11T19:46:59.809999Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QlsdGCJs3o9dYCK59Im12sCIHwptaH5diN7WXXdxmsk/2YaNYWCaTCms9NG2CVluGg.webp?size=large"
---

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# I've got these guys in the bottom of my terracotta of my false…

_Posted by Red on 2025-03-11_

I've got these guys in the bottom of my terracotta of my false shamrock. Wondering if they're maybe just springtails? I've just been putting a bit of mouth wash and then washing them down the drain. I imagine I'd have to repot to remove them but I'm horrified at the idea of these crawling all over when I repot (I'm a wuss about bugs)

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QlsdGCJs3o9dYCK59Im12sCIHwptaH5diN7WXXdxmsk/2YaNYWCaTCms9NG2CVluGg.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Shirley🪴you jest commented on 2025-03-11

Hi Red, From what I can see in the photo they look like they could be white fly.

If so, I recommend try a good insecticide (I use Planta brand) or home formula to treat as directed and weaken the solution over the next month or two for prevention.

I’d get one or two more opinions.

Best of Luck 🪴

#### Red replied on 2025-03-11

They're not on the bottom of the leaves. They're only in the bottom of the pot it seems like. And no wings either. I keep a sticky in the pot just in case but never see these guys on the surface

### Tokkomio commented on 2025-03-11

✅️ in a dark \& possibly humid corner. ✅️ white or brownish. ✅️ bottom of a pot. Looks like springtails to me. So cute! They're basically like having worms in your soil. Means the soil is balanced, so good job! Alot of people get rid of them in the fear they'll eat the feeder roots but they only feed on decaying matter so they're not too bad

#### Red replied on 2025-03-11

Ooh I heard they eat decay but I was worried they'd try to eat the plant too. Is it ok to keep managing their numbers with a little alcohol? It seems like their numbers would be crazy without it.

#### Tokkomio replied on 2025-03-11

Should be fine lol

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2025-03-11

These are springtails. You can usually tell them by their little squat fat bodies and antenna They eat mold and are super beneficial. People... self included.. pay top dollar for them to seed terrariums 😆 🤣

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