23/04/2026
Before you plant anything in pots like this, stop and check properly 👀
We came across pots absolutely crawling with insects. This is a big red flag in any garden setup.
If you plant contaminated plants, you risk spreading pests into your garden beds or yard. Damaging new plants before they even establish and potentially introducing termites into timber structures nearby.
Luckily termites wasn’t the case here. But here is what to do before you put anything in the ground:
1. Identify what you’re actually seeing
* White ants (termites): creamy white, soft-bodied, move in groups, often in damp soil or decaying wood.
* Aphids / mealybugs: tiny white fuzzy insects on stems/leaves.
* Fungus gnats: tiny black flies buzzing around soil.
* Or just an Ant Larvae/Pupae (Brood) being transported
If it’s actually termites, treat it as urgent.
2. Don’t plant yet
Keep those pots isolated away from garden beds or timber structures.
3. Knock them out first
Depending on what it is:
* Soil drench with insecticide (garden-safe systemic or pyrethrum-based)
* Or submerge pot in water for 10–15 mins (good for many soil pests, not ideal if plant hates wet feet)
* Remove top layer of soil if infestation is mild
* Hose down stems/leaves thoroughly
4. Inspect properly
Tip the pot out and check:
* roots
* drainage holes
* underside of pot
5. If it’s actually termites
If you’re genuinely seeing termite activity, I’d strongly recommend not planting them at all until treated or inspected, especially if they came from mulch-heavy or timber-rich environments.
These little issues can turn into big problems fast especially in warm, wet conditions.
If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, get it checked before you plant 👍
