The 11 Most Effective Ways to Get Rid of Soil Mites in Potted Plants

Kim Marson

Gardening Writer

Kim is passionate about helping people create beautiful, healthy indoor spaces that are filled with plants. Kim believes that plants make us happier, healthier human...

Soil mites can be more than a nuisance when caring for your house plants. Common pests such as Oribatei, Astigmata, and Mesostigmata and Aphids are attracted to the warm, damp soil to lay their eggs. Before long, you can have an infestation that could affect all your plants. This article will share the 11 Most Effective Ways to Get Rid of Soil Mites in Potted Plants.

Quick Reference Table for The Most Effective Solutions

Chemical Methods for Managing Soil Mite Infestations

Control soil mites in your potted plants with the safe and effective insecticidal soaps and oils method. These products are non-toxic to humans and other mammals and won't harm beneficial insects either.

Insecticidal soaps and oils can kill various soft-bodied pests, including soil mites, by suffocating them and damaging their protective coat, leading to the pests dehydrating and dying.

#1 Insecticidal Soaps

One great benefit of using insecticidal soaps and oils to get rid of soil mites is that pests have difficulty becoming resistant to these products. This means they'll continue to control soil mites effectively over time. Remember that these products can harm plants if applied during water stress, in hot temperatures over 90°F, in direct sunlight, or when high humidity prevents rapid drying. Additionally, some plants may be sensitive to oil or insecticidal soap sprays and could be damaged if these products are used on them.

To completely knock out soil mites, it's essential to apply insecticidal soaps and oils to the upper and lower leaf surfaces as well as the stems of the plant. This will ensure that the mites are coated and suffocated. You may need to repeat the application a few times to eliminate the mites. Keep in mind that homemade soap recipes may not be as effective at getting rid of soil mites as commercial insecticidal soaps, and they have a higher chance of causing foliage burn. It's generally recommended to use commercial insecticidal soaps that have been tested on plants and are less likely to harm them.

#2 Horticultural Oils (Chemical)

Horticultural oils are another option for eliminating soil mites. These products work by smothering the mites on contact and come in two types: summer/superior oils and dormant oils. Horticultural oils are lighter and more refined and can be applied to actively growing plants and dormant plants for insect pest control. Just be careful when using horticultural oils on potted plants to get rid of soil mites. Don't apply them when the temperature is outside of a 90°F to 45°F range. Don't water within 24 hours, as this can damage the plants.

Horticultural oils are usually used to spray actively growing plants with a 1 to 2% mix with water. You can also mix them at a 4% concentration with water as a "dormant oil" spray to control pests on woody plant bark. It's usually best to apply horticultural oil sprays late in the day to slow drying and improve insect control. Most horticultural oils come as concentrates that you dilute with water in a sprayer, but some are available in either a bottle that can attach to a garden hose for spraying or as a pre-mixed spray bottle which will be better for internal use.

#3 Botanical Insecticides

Botanical insecticides, such as pyrethrins, are a natural and effective option for eliminating soil mites from houseplants. Pyrethrins are derived from the Chrysanthemum flower and work by disrupting the nervous system of pests, causing them to become paralyzed and eventually die. These insecticides are safe for humans and pets and are generally less toxic to beneficial insects than other chemical pesticides.

To use pyrethrins to control soil mites, mix the insecticide with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the affected plants. It is essential to follow the label directions and use caution when applying pyrethrins, as they can be harmful to some plants if applied in high concentrations or at the wrong time. With regular use, pyrethrins can effectively eliminate soil mites from houseplants and help to keep them healthy and thriving.

#4 Mineral Powders

Mineral powders, such as diatomaceous earth, can effectively eliminate soil mites from houseplants. Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms and works by physically tearing the exoskeletons of pests, causing them to dehydrate and die. It is a natural and safe option for use around humans and pets, and it is also relatively non-toxic to beneficial insects.

The right way to use diatomaceous earth is to sprinkle a thin layer of the powder around the base of the affected plants and on the soil surface. It is essential to follow the label directions and use caution when applying diatomaceous earth, as it can be harmful to humans and pets if inhaled in large amounts. If used appropriately and at regular intervals, diatomaceous earth can effectively eliminate soil mites from houseplants and help to keep them healthy and thriving.

Home Made Chemical Solutions

If you don't want to purchase insecticides, you can use a couple of communally available household chemicals to create a solution to deal with your soil mite problem.

#5 Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide

Spraying a solution of diluted hydrogen peroxide is another excellent way to eliminate mites from your plant's soil. Mix up a solution with a concentration of around 3% hydrogen peroxide, then use a spray bottle to apply it to the soil around your plant. Using hydrogen peroxide is a safe method and a great way to eliminate any mites lurking in the soil. Plus, the hydrogen peroxide will increase the amount of oxygen in the soil or potting mix, helping with root development and encouraging healthy growth.

Natural/Organic Methods to Get Rid of Soil Mites in Potted Plants

Most of the methods we have looked at so far are commercial products that will deal with soil mite infestations. However, cultural controls and the many homemade remedies that can be used are equally effective.

#6 Remove the Top Layer of Soil

Removing the top layer of soil is not only a simple but also an effective method for eliminating soil mites from houseplants. The process is relatively straightforward To remove the top layer, carefully scoop out the top two inches of soil from the pot using a trowel or other small digging tool. Then using a fresh potting mix or dirt-based media backfill around the plant.

By removing the top couple of inches of soil, you will remove any mites that may be present in the soil and any eggs or other debris. It is essential to properly dispose of the removed soil in a sealed bag/sack as it will contain the mites and any other pests that may be present. and could cause re-infestation.

#7 Re-Pot the Plant and Renew the Potting Mix

A more complete , and perhaps better solution would be to re-pot the plant in entirely new soil, potting mix or even an alternative growing medium such as clay aggregate, which is not prone to soil mites.

Then, gently scrape the old pot soil using a trowel or spatula. This will eliminate any mites in the soil and any eggs or other detritus. As with just removing the top couple of inches, it is essential that the old contaminated soil or potting mix is properly disposed of in a sealed bag.

After removing the old potting mix, clean the flowerpot or container and then re-pot the plant using a fresh potting mix or another growing medium. This procedure is simple and efficient for removing soil mites from houseplants. Furthermore, replacing the potting mix will supply your plant with fresh, nutrient-rich soil, aiding in healthy development.

#8 Tea Tree Oil Solution

Tea tree oil is a powerful insecticide and is safe to use on plants and can effectively kill soil mites. To make a tea tree oil solution, simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients, then spray the solution on the soil and leaves of your plant.

Be sure to cover every inch of the plant, including the undersides of the leaves where soil mites like to hide. You may need to apply the solution every few days until the mites are completely gone. Tea tree oil is a safe and effective way to get rid of soil mites and keep your plants looking their best.

#9 Cinnamon Mixture

Cinnamon Mixture is a safe and effective insecticide for plants and can help get rid of soil mites. To make a cinnamon mixture, simply mix a few tablespoons of cinnamon with water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients, then spray the mixture on the soil and leaves of your plant. Cover every inch of the plant, including the undersides of the leaves where soil mites like to hide. Generally it will take several application over a number days to ensure the mites are completely gone.

#10 Garlic-Based Spray

Creating a garlic-Based Spray is another powerful and safe insecticide for plants and can efficiently dispose of soil mites. To make a garlic-based spray, simply crush/mince five or six cloves (tip you can also use garlic powder) and combine them with water in a spray bottle.

Shake the bottle well so that the garlic is properly infused into the water, then spray the mixture on the soil and leaves of your plant. Try to spray all visible parts of the plant , especially the undersides of the leaves, where soil mites like to hide and the soil. You may need to apply the mixture every two to tree days until the mites are completely gone.

#11 Horticultural Oils (Organic)

When we discussed chemical solution above one of the principle methods was to use horticultural oils. While mostly non organic there are several organic products that you can buy. These include products such as Sesame oil , which can be purchased as a spray and Organocide Bee Safe, which comes as ready to apply product.

Do You Need to Get Rid of Your Soil Mites

Whilist we have discussed the various ways in which you can eliminate soil mites it should also be remembered that they are part of natures ecosystem and like all living creatures exist for a reason.

Are soil mites good for your plants?

Believe it or not, soil mites can actually be helpful for your plants in small numbers. They help to decompose organic matter in the soil, which can improve the soil structure and make more nutrients available for your plant. However, if there are too many soil mites, they can harm your plant by feeding on the roots. To make sure soil mites are helping, not hindering, your plant's growth, it's important to keep their population in check.

Are soil mites harmful to humans?

Generally speaking, soil mites are not harmful to people. They don't carry any diseases that will affect humans and aren't poisonous. The main concern is allergies. If you are allergic to mites, coming into contact with them could easily provoke a reaction. If you're concerned about soil mites in your home, it is probably advisable to employ one or more of the methods we discussed above to get rid of them. This will help reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Introducing Predatory Mites

An Alternative option is to introduce predatory mites into your plant soil. These "beneficial mites" are one method of biological management used to keep pest populations at non-harmful levels. Plants can be protected from pest assault and damage by fostering predatory mite populations.

Kim MarsonGardening Writer

Kim is passionate about helping people create beautiful, healthy indoor spaces that are filled with plants. Kim believes that plants make us happier, healthier human beings, and she loves sharing her knowledge with others so they can experience the joys of plant care for themselves. <a href="https://plantcaresimplified.com/kim-marson/">Read more</a>

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