I've just discovered some blue-gray bugs in my indoor potted Dwarf Cavendish Banana Plant (photo included). Despite the super-scary, up-close image, they're pretty tiny...maybe just under a quarter inch long. It's a new plant, transplanted only two weeks ago, received from a Florida grower. The plant seems to be doing okay, but I have found a few of these little guys in there.

Does anyone know what these are, and whether or not they're harmful? If they are, what should I do?

Thanks so much!

Nice picture! That is a pill bug or sow bug. The first name refers to its defensive habit of rolling up into a pill shaped ball, the second to the fact that it is sometimes seen with its "brood"--a bunch of little guys that look just like momma = sow with a litter of piglets.

You can google sow bugs for more info, but the last I read was that they are essentially harmless nuisances in indoor plant soil. They eat leaf mold and other decaying matter in the soil. You can just pick them out, when you see them, and toss them outside. If they are very plentiful, they could pose a problem by taking up space and nutrients needed by the plant; otherwise, no worries.

Sweetcicely

That fact that they were shipped to you by this nursery in Florida tells me that their housekeeping chores have been left undone. And that the nursery inspectors haven't been doing a very good job! You should call them and complain sternly.

Here's what I would do. Depot your banana to see if there is a large hidden population in the bottom of the pot. (I learned that lesson the hard way.) If so, you can get rid of a bunch manually.

Food grade diatomaceous earth will be your friend for the management of sow/pill bugs in containers. Sprinkle a layer on top of the soil, and inside the pan or saucer you have your container sitting on. After a couple of weeks, you shouldn't see any more activity.

Thanks again!