Whiteflies aren't in soil or potting mix. They live on the plant during their entire life cycle.

Not termites either.

If they tend to jump, they're springtails. If the tend to stay on the surface or within the potting mix, they may be symphylans.

In both of the last two instance, it means that the potting mix is kept too wet.

After my intial post on this subject, I searched termites on the web and what I have looks exactly like termites. They don't have wings, don't jump and the soil has been allowed to dry in between waterings. The one pot I had sitting on a wire bench and tunnel like things were protruding from the bottom of it. I touched them with gloved hands and they disintegrated like fine dust with tiny white spots in it-possibly termite eggs? I don't know but so far that's what it appears to be. Some information I found online said that termites do live in soil. I'll try to get a photo of the insects and post it tomorrow. Thanks for the replies.

Usually termites build tunnels in order to connect to a moisture supply, but your pots may be taking care of that.

Do you have a magnifying glass to help you make a valid ID? Refrigerate or freeze 'em to slow them down before looking closely. Generally, light colored "ants" without waists do turn out to be termites. If you do make a valid ID, better check your house. Several species are active in your area, including some that blow in on the wind.

If you own your house, you probably have a termite bond, and a thorough inspection will be free for the asking.

Here is a link that might be useful: my website

I can see the termites fine. I can't fit these pots in my freezer and honestly I don't want to put termite infested pots in my food freezer. I can have a termite inspection done for free. Had one done at our last home in this area as we did get termites inside our home. I have seen termite damage on the fence behind my greenhouse about 30' from the greenhouse. I know termites travel. I'll try putting boric acid in there, in a dish. I use it for ants here. A GW member from San Antonio who posts frequently suggested trying it for termites also. Thanks for your reply.

Check this web site
You can ID ANY kind of bug

Here is a link that might be useful: What's That Bug?

Hello,

so what is the best method for getting rid of these ? And how exactly did you dampen the surface of the soil, Lorna, do you mind my asking ?

Thanks Ellen Sullivan

grow now, Thanks for the link.