Bugs on rockwool

Well, that's interesting. I've done many runs with rockwool, some with autopots (so always wet), and some with handwatering. I've never seen any bugs, or even a single fly near my rockwools! I always wash away the dirt and dust on my clay pebbles. My theory is that they came with the clay pebbles? It sounds almost impossible to me for them to live in rockwool.

You must sterilize both the moss and the expanded clay thoroughly before growing... I'll try hydrogen peroxide or some other specific product.

Salam a_tribe_thats_stoned! 👋 Don't panic yet, Habibi. Let's use some "Modern Engineering" logic to identify the enemy. 🕵️‍♂️🛠️ "Small black bugs" on Rockwool/Hydroton usually fall into one of three categories: 1. The "Blow Test" (Springtails) 💨 Get close and blow gently on them. If they jump like tiny fleas: These are Springtails. Verdict: ✅ FRIENDS. They eat dead roots and fungus. They are actually cleaning your system. Leave them alone! 2. The "Sticky Test" (Fungus Gnats) Put a yellow sticky trap near the cubes. If they fly and get stuck: These are Fungus Gnats. Verdict: ❌ ENEMIES. The adults are just annoying, but their larvae are inside the rockwool eating your root hairs. The Fix: Add BTI (Mosquito Bits or Microbe-Lift) to your reservoir. It uses bacteria to kill the larvae without hurting the plant. 3. The "Crawler" (Root Aphids) 🐜 If they look like tiny round beetles/ticks and don't jump or fly... check your roots. If you see white "ash" or waxy stuff on the roots, it's Root Aphids. (This requires heavier treatment like Beauveria Bassiana). My bet? It's usually Fungus Gnats loving the wet hydroton. 🌊 Happy Growing! 💚