Soil insects are noticed when brought to the surface during watering. Adults and larvae of several insects may fly or crawl around on the soil surface. In most cases they do no real harm to the plant. Large populations can cause wilting and poor plant growth due to minor root pruning. A soil drenching with insecticidal soap will usually solve the problem.
Systemic insecticides are usually effective.
They can however cause damage to the root system of the plant as they burrow to build their nest. A soil drenching with insecticidal soap will usually solve the problem. Systemic insecticides are usually effective as are malathion and diazinon. Thrips are very small and hard to see. They are light brown, slender insects, who while in the adult stage will fly to other plants when disturbed.