insects in substrate

[fallen saffron]

I found these insects everywhere in my leo’s enclosure. I’ve never really payed close attention to my substrate, so I don’t know how long they’ve been in there. If it helps, I have a few sticks I brought in from outside that I boiled, I haven’t changed my substrate in a year or so, and it is not bio active. Any ideas on what these could be and if it’s okay to let them be?

Also, on the topic of substrate, I am planning on replacing it soon but was wondering if it’s okay to leave the chunks of wood and soil in there. Last time, I sifted through it all, and it took forever 😅

Also don’t mind the random beetle that somehow is split in two

[acoustic venture]

NQA - I have those in my mossarium. Near as I can tell they are harmless but I haven't officially identified them yet. Near as I can tell they may be a type of aphid. If you are going to replace your substrate anyway, I'd personally just dump the lot and start fresh. If you really want to save and reuse the rocks & twigs & stuff, I'd get a commercial kitchen-sized wire strainer (12" size) to make sifting a breeze. I'd then boil the rocks & twigs for a good 20-30 minutes just to be safe.