While keeping a compost bin is the most natural way to fertilize your plants..

..they conceal a secret that could be a nuisance to you and your lovely garden.

There’s a good chance that soil mites have already infested the soil..

…if you see white spots creeping around on your compost, in the soil..

..and around the edges of your plant pot.

Check this out!

Do Your Potted Plants Have Soil Mites?

Soil mites could be hiding in your potted plants.

You may have noticed a few soil mites in compost piles.

If you’ve ever seen these frightening-looking animals, you might be wondering what they are…

….and whether they pose a hazard to your garden plants or soil.

Continue reading to learn more about soil mites and their impact on the garden.

Soil mites are scavengers that usually make their home in potting soil…

…or compost heaps because they are attracted…

…to organic, rotting matter such as leaves, moss, wood, etc.

Soil mites can travel from your outdoor spaces to inside…

…. your home and move around in your home, patio, etc.

…and also make their home in your indoor potted plants.

Here we have a story from Robbin about his experience getting rid of soil mites in his garden!

Let us hear the story…

Did you know that soil mites spend most of their lives on plants? They eat plant material, like leaves and stems.

And they are vital for the health of a plant! Maintaining a healthy population of these microscopic creatures is key…

….to making sure your garden can thrive. Unfortunately,

…we have trouble seeing them because they’re so small.

That’s why we recommend using an infrared camera…

…when planting new seeds or transplanting into potting soil.

They’ll show up in full color and be easy to spot! And if you want you can getting rid it…

…..easily cause you can see it more easily with an infrared camera!

Potting soil mites make their home, with many family members, in soil. These tiny creatures are about the size of a pinpoint and are very easy to miss. They may appear as little white dots walking along the surface of the soil or along a plant container.”

 Susan Patterson, Master Gardener

Get it?

Is it necessary to get rid of soil mites in your potted plants?

If you should, knowing how to get rid of soil mites will be beneficial.

Is this popular house insect, however, actually harmful to your precious greens,

…or are they, in fact, beneficial?

Second, let’s figure out what they are. “To put it simply, they are soil mites,” according to Study.com.

They’re arthropods with an exoskeleton (no internal bones), a segmented body…

…and legs that sprout from the segments. Soil mites are also extremely small…

..measuring just a few millimeters in length.

Since they are so small, a single 3.5 ounce (100 gram) sample…

…of soil can contain up to 500 mites from 100 different genera (genera= terms for saying many genus).

I tell you what you though…

Soil mites come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, “many” is an underestimate…

…as approximately 18,000-20,000 soil mites have been found in this century.

In addition, it is estimated that there are approximately 80,000 different varieties in the world.

Fortunately, we may divide them into large groups. These are the four suborders that most people would come across:

• Mesostigmata
  • Predators
  • Feeds on smaller animals
• Astigmata
  • Likes to hang around in soil rich in nitrogen; like in farms.
• Prostigmata
  • A suborder of mites that have different feeding patterns.
• Oribatei
  • This is the most common of the four.
  • Feeds on the following:
    • algae
    • fungi
    • dead plants
    • tiny dead insects
    • tiny live worms
  • Due to their large shell-like body, they are also known as “turtle mites.”
  • Likes wood; therefore, can make its way into your patios and decks
  • Drawn to organic matter such as:
    • Leaves
    • Mold
    • Moss

Before we talk about either eliminating them or keeping them, let us first have a visual understanding…

…of these so-called “mites” so that we’ll know one for when we actually see one.

They have six legs because they are arthropods. This is not to be confused with their nearest relatives…

…the arachnids, who have eight legs. They typically make their home in potting soil with their relatives.

As a result, if you suspect their existence, you should look there first.

Let’s take a look at the details…

• Greatly aids in breaking down decaying organic matter for the decomposition process.
• Helps roots absorb nutrients from decaying organic matter.
• Aids in the survival of plants (and even humans).
• A nuisance to us and our homes.
• Capable of carrying bacteria and transmit diseases to us humans.
• Can and will make homes in your potted plants.
• Capable of carrying parasites; such as the tapeworm.

Based on the information we have collected, we may conclude that they are in a gray area;

they are not all good, but neither are they all evil. Although they can benefit our plant…

…they can also damage us. It is fairly easy to get rid of them if you so desire.

As previously mentioned, they are attracted inexorably to rotting organic matter.

As a result, keep all rotting matter out of your house. Don’t forget about the ones on the roof, such as trees…

… vegetables, and so on. If the mites notice them, you can bet they’ll want to celebrate with their friends…

…and families at the banquet you’ve prepared for them. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

When left alone for an extended period of time or when they run out of food, these arthropods…

….have been known to flee. And if you take the passive (or lazy) approach and simply leave them alone…

…they will inevitably vanish.

However, for those who choose not to wait for things to happen on their own…

….there are steps you can take to get closer to your target.

Peat moss, rotting leaves, and mold are all favorites of the mites. As a result, filtering them out of the soil…

…will be an excellent first step. Remove all of the soil from your many potted plants.

Don’t worry, this won’t set you back as far as mold removal.

However, be cautious when carrying out this step.

Roots are easily destroyed, signaling the start of your plant’s demise.

And that would be counterproductive to what we’re trying to achieve!

Sift through them carefully until all of the dirt has been removed from the pot.

Check for more food for the mites and delete it. To search for mites, you may need…

…to remove a few inches of topsoil from your garden.

Just make sure you don’t damage your plants’ ability to sustain themselves.

Mites are known to remain on the topsoil, so there’s no need to dig any deeper.

However, if they are near your decorative paving slabs, you should check there as well to be sure…

…as some mites can move quickly!

By the way…

I can suggest you give it a sprinkle of Diatomaceous Earth to fix the soil mites problem. For me organic gardening, it’s a dream come true. Mites don’t like it, and many plants are saved thanks to it. Here’s my recommendation…

BioAdvanced 701290B Insecticide Fungicide Miticide 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control, 24 oz, Ready-to-Use (Pack of 2)

• Triple protection for flowering plants, trees, shrubs, roses and other flowers

Continue on Amazon

After thoroughly testing the soil, carefully return it to the location from which it was collected.

Pro tip: If you notice any leaves that are nearing the end of their lives, get rid of them now…

…to save yourself some trouble later. It’s the best time of the year.

If you are asking me, what type of pot I’ve used, the answer is here.

To prevent soil illness and root decay, the terracotta pot is porous. I planted a snake plant, and I’ll keep a watch on how it does in a pot that looks to retain moisture levels above their preference! A far superior product compared to others in its class, the material is durable.

Terracotta Pots for Plants, 4.2 Inch 5.3 Inch 6.5 Inch, Succulent Planter Pot with Drainage and Saucer, 40-A-S-1

• Dimensions - 4.2 inch, 5.3 inch, 6.5 inch, perfect size for small cacti, succulents and more.
• Planter Pots with Drainage holes and detachable/perfectly fitting terracotta saucers included.

CHECK THE PRICE

The final move is to spray the soil and plants. This is the last check to ensure that we haven’t skipped any mites…

….and that we won’t have to do it again! You’ll be able to choose between organic and chemical-based sprays.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Insecticides (w/ Pyrethrins )
• Starch and Dish Soap
• A Cinnamon Mixture
• A Garlic-Based Solutions

But, I have a favorite product to use! I will show you the product that really works on my plants.

One of those is, my tree.

This product was purchased to treat spider mites on my tree. I thoroughly sprayed the tree one evening, and when I went to check on it the next day, there were only a couple of cobwebs left on the tree! Don’t go any further. You can go with the need or whatever else is going on.

VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin, 43 Gallon Black Door

• Twin Chambers: Designed with 2 chambers, the tumbling composter allows you to compost in batches; One side cooks while you add fresh organic material to the other, allowing for an efficient, uninterrupted flow of rich, nutritious compost

Continue on Amazon

Rather than waiting for an issue to arise, proactive measures…

…should be taken to mitigate any possible risk or threat.

But only if you don’t want to use them as “assistants” in the growth of your plant.

If soil mites are present, your outdoor garden can require some attention. It is important to keep it clean…

….in order to keep soil mites away from your potted plants and garden.

Rake fallen leaves from your garden to keep them from decomposing on the lawn.

You’d be shocked at how beautiful your garden will look when it’s clean.

Before you consider repotting your plants, a simple spray will be all you need to keep soil mites at bay.

Soil mites will be present if you have a compost pile, but at least they will be contained in one area of your yard.

To avoid soil mites, you can choose the right compost bin. Remember that bugs can get into even the smallest of holes, so you may need to do some research to find the right compost bin for you. Here’s my recommendation…

VIVOSUN Tumbling Composter Dual Rotating Batch Compost Bin 43 Gallon Black

• Twin Chambers: Designed with 2 chambers, the tumbling composter allows you to compost in batches; One side cooks while you add fresh organic material to the other, allowing for an efficient, uninterrupted flow of rich, healthy compost
• Outstanding Aeration: Adjustable air vents and deep fins provide excellent air circulation, help break up and decompose clumps in the chamber, and plow lots of oxygen into the compost to produce healthy, finished compost in just weeks
• Sturdy, Durable Construction: Made of galvanized steel and high-quality PP plastic, this VIVOSUN Tumbling Composter is corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, sturdy, and durable for long-lasting service life

CHECK THE PRICE

It will take some work to keep your garden clean of rotting leaves, moss, and molds.

You won’t have to do this every day, though. Soil mites can only be found in one area of your garden

….if you search regularly and hold the leaves in one compost pile. Make sure you spray the soil on a regular basis…

…to prevent soil mites from infesting your garden or your indoor potted plants.

If you have a tree near your home, keep those gutters clean; it will save you money…

…in the long run by preventing a clogged gutter.

While soil mites may be considered pests by most people, according to agricultural experts and scientists…

….these are considered to play quite an important role in improving soil health.

Let’s look at the benefits and dangers of soil mites;

Benefits

• They help in the decaying process of organic matter, which not only helps to improve the health of the soil but also improves the ability of the plants’ roots to absorb the nutrients from the soil more effectively.
• Known as essential nematodes, soil mites indicate that your soil is healthy.
• They help your plant to survive.

Dangers

• Soil mites are considered to be pests and an infestation can be a nuisance.
• They can carry disease-causing bacteria and transmit diseases to humans.
• They carry eggs of parasites such as tapeworms, which are transmitted to humans.

Last thing for sure. This plant needs to care for carefully, remember plants needs “love” too.

Finally, while soil mites are frequently seen as pests,

…they are also seen as beneficial to the soil and environment.

So, if these critters don’t bother you, you may leave them alone when they run out of food…

…the soil mites will leave to find new homes as well. If you wish to get rid of them, you can utilize…

…any of the strategies we talked about in this post. Regardless of the strategy you choose…

…the health of your soil and plants should be your main priority.

Find out more about gardening from this page!

Check out more of our posts like this one here!

I hope you can now take care your plant carefully and grow it big and healthy too!

Thanks for reading this article! Bye!