6 Ways to Free Your Garden of Soil Mites
Soil mites are very tiny just millimeters long, these mites are considered arthropods, soil mites have an exoskeleton and a segmented body, and their eight legs appear from the segments. Soil mites are foragers, their diet consists of organic matter found in garden soil, compost pile, leaf litter, and potted plants. The positive side of soil mites is that they help decompose broken-down organic matter into nutrients that benefit plant life.
If that is the case then why would you want to get rid of these mites that have a beneficial side, well despite this fact about soil mites some people believe that soil mites are a pest to garden plants, and their presence encourages poor soil condition and excessive or overwatering increase soil mite population where some species of these mites may use the roots of plants as a food source causing the plant’s health to decline.
Soil Mite Identification
Soil mites are tiny insects measuring between 0.2 and 1.5mm, their colors vary from white, to red, brown, and black. These insects have six legs, if your garden soil is dry soil mites might be seen crawling around on the soil’s surface.
What causes Soil Mites
Soil mite’s presence is encouraged by soils that are rich in organic matter, damp, warm lacking natural predators, and soils that are un-compressed.
How to Treat Soil Mites
If you discover that you have soil mites, here is what you need to do: not to completely get rid of them, but to reduce their population to ensure your plants continue to grow healthy.
- Manage the amount of water your garden plants are receiving, and allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings.
- Improve your soil drainage by adding coarse sand or perlite to the potting mix, perlite greatly improves drainage and aeration reducing mite population.
- When repotting plants in fresh soil ensure that the plant’s roots are thoroughly cleaned will help to eliminate existing soil mites.
- Neem oil can be applied, simply mix 1 teaspoon neem oil with 1-quart water, apply the spray solution on the soil’s surface, and directly on the plant’s leaves. This will assist in disrupting the soil mite life cycle.
- Apply diatomaceous earth on the soil surface by sprinkling, diatomaceous earth will kill soil mites by causing dehydration.
- Diatomaceous earth must be reapplied after irrigation or rainfall.
How to Prevent Soil Mites
Taking precautionary steps can help control the soil mite population.
- Before bringing plants home and installing them, they should be inspected first.
- Reduce the amount of organic matter your garden is receiving by the removal of debris and fallen leaves from around your plants.
- When potting container plants, whether in or outdoors, use fresh, sterilized soil.
- Be careful not to overwater your plants.
- Soilless mix is a great solution that will discourage soil mites because these mixes do not contain as much decomposing organic material, which soil mites use as a food source. Soil mixtures that contain coco coir, peat moss
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly are soil mites?
Soil mites are tiny, microscopic arthropods that live in soil. You usually won’t notice them unless you’re really looking. They actually help break down organic matter, but if you see them crawling around your indoor plants, it might feel a little creepy!
2. Are soil mites harmful to my plants?
Nope, not at all! Soil mites are actually considered beneficial for your soil. They feed on fungi, algae, and decaying organic material. However, if their population explodes or you simply don’t want them indoors, you might decide it’s time to show them the door.
3. Why do I have soil mites in my plant pots?
Soil mites love moist, organic-rich environments. If you’ve been using compost, mulch, or leaf litter in your potting mix, you’ve basically rolled out the welcome mat. Overwatering or letting organic material build up can also attract them.
4. Can soil mites spread to other houseplants?
Yes, they can travel from pot to pot, especially if your plants are close together. They’re not fast movers, but they’re persistent. If conditions are right, they’ll spread around your indoor garden like tiny tourists.
5. How can I tell if I have a soil mite problem?
Look closely at the top layer of your soil—if you see tiny white or brown specks crawling around (usually near the base of the plant), those are probably soil mites. Some people mistake them for mold or dust at first glance!
6. What’s the best way to naturally get rid of soil mites?
Start by letting your soil dry out between waterings. Soil mites hate dry environments. You can also remove the top inch or so of soil and replace it with fresh, sterile potting mix. Cinnamon powder, neem oil spray, or a garlic-water solution can also discourage them naturally.
7. Should I completely repot my plant to remove soil mites?
In more stubborn cases, yes. If you’re seeing a large number of mites and nothing else is working, repotting your plant in fresh, sterile soil can reset the environment. Just be sure to rinse the roots gently with lukewarm water before replanting.
8. Is neem oil safe to use against soil mites?
Yes, neem oil is a popular and safe option! It’s a natural pesticide that disrupts pests without harming your plant. Thoroughly mix it with water and a drop of dish soap, spray the top layer of soil, and repeat every few days until the mites are gone.
9. Can I use chemical pesticides to kill soil mites?
You can, but it’s usually not necessary—and it might do more harm than good. Most chemical pesticides are overkill for soil mites and can damage beneficial microbes or harm indoor air quality. Stick with natural methods unless the infestation is severe.
10. How can I prevent soil mites from coming back?
Good question! Keep your soil clean and avoid overwatering. Use sterile potting mix, don’t leave dead leaves or organic debris in the pot, and give your plants proper drainage. A little sunlight and fresh air can also go a long way in keeping mites away.
Conclusion
Soil mites are not necessarily bad, they make a major contribution to soil and the health of garden plants issues only arise if there is a buildup or a great amount that can have a negative impact on plant life. Following this guide will help you to have success as you control the number of soil mites that inhabit your garden soil.
