Sometimes we can see some small visitors in the substrate of our bonsai. At first glance they may seem dangerous, but not all insects are.
Most of these insects, such as mosquitoes, flies, larvae, ants, etc., do not affect the health of our bonsai, no matter how annoying they may be. At Mistral Bonsai we are very respectful of the environment, so we try to reduce, whenever possible, the use of pesticides, which favors the survival of these small insects that simply tend to feed on the organic remains that accumulate in the substrate.
It is important to have good irrigation control, since the larvae would not live if there was not a certain percentage of humidity in the soil. Normally these insects live in the surface layer of the substrate, more or less 1.5 cm, so we must let that area dry between watering. This is also basic advice on the correct way to water any bonsai. A Humidity meter could be very useful, since it indicates the level of humidity in the substrate.
If we still want to eliminate them more quickly, it is possible to use any insecticide for plants, such as BIO Flower Triple Action Insecticide.
Remember that the basis for keeping our bonsai in good condition is correct location and irrigation control. This page might also be useful to you: Basic care for indoor bonsai.
When should I start worrying?
An indication that something is wrong would be if you see some cottony areas. Other clues could be that the leaves are pitted or bitten, that they get spots, make a sudden change in color or even close by curling up.
In any of the above happen, these readings could be useful:
There is a pest on my bonsai tree
Caterpillar pest in my bonsai. What can I do?