The larvae of midges/gnats like this sort of water. They have tiny flat heads and thin bodies. They like to hang just beneath the surface of the water but go wriggling down rapidly if disturbed. Do these sound like your little beasties, 80smaniac? No need to do anything with them, they don't do any harm.

They won't do any harm to the plants but they hatch into nasty biting insects! I'd drain the liquid off and feed the plants to reduce the number of hatchlings biting you and your neighbours soon. I'm covered in itchy bites from gardening at dusk - in spite of spraying myself with insect repellent.

Just water the whole lot onto the plants and that will see the wee beasties off. Better than letting them hatch, funny Beattie, I am just getting over a massive bite to the leg sustained one evening in the garden, little horrors, had to get some special cream and that has helped. I am going to try citronella oil on my skin next time.

The annoying thing is that I sprayed all the exposed skin so the little blighters crawled into my clothes and bit all the unmentionable bits! It's very embarrassing if I scratch without thinking. :-o

Ouch, poor you ! :0(

Glad you're getting over the massive bite Grandmage. Avon make a product that was intended as a moisturiser I think but it's rumoured to keep even SCOTTISH midges at bay. It's called "Skin So Soft" - you'll need to enquire of your local Avon Lady.