Insect Quiz January, 2006

January Quiz 2006

You are watering your houseplants one morning and as you casually look at one of your African violets you notice a number of very small, dark-colored ‘bugs’ jumping on the soil surface.  You don’t see any of these insects on the plant itself, just on the soil.  The plant looks alright but you are a little concerned by the presence of these insects.

1.  What are these insects?

2.  Where did they come from?

3.  What kind of harm can they inflict on plants?

4.  What is the best management for these insects?