When I make soil now I include a bio insecticide in the mix, it keeps you ahead of the game. Plus Ive used about 1 1/2 inches of sand on the top of my soil for years and it works perfectly fine with no adverse effects whatsoever besides happier plants from not being gnat infested. They cant get through the sand, thats why I like play sand its just fine enough. I also use fabric pots so the plants can breath just fine. Many people say dont use sand for this reason or that but I honestly think its just an echo chamber from bad advice they read over the years and the grow supply industry pushing for more expensive routes. I also read alot people say not to use play sand. Thats mostly all I use unless I cant find it then Ill just get some other cheap brand sand, same shit. A layer of sand on the top of your soil can prevent alot of headaches in a grow. Dont use that horticultural sand crap or anything else that they try to sell at an inflated price because its "made for plants" just plain old play sand from home depot for $6 for 50lbs