How To Kill Mites in Plant Soil
Beautiful plants may not be the only thing growing in your soil—it may also be the home to soil mites. If you’ve observed small, white dots walking across the top of your soil or along the edges of your plant’s pot, there’s a good possibility these mites have set up shop in your soil. According to the University of Illinois Extension, mites can range in size. Some mites are about the size of pinpoints, although others can get to up to 1/8-inch in diameter. Fortunately, mites are usually just nuisances and do not bother the plant; however, there are a few ways in which to remove the mites and let your plants be the only tenants in the soil.
Step 1
Clean and screen the soil. In accordance to the University of Illinois Extension, mites feed off of leaf mold, decaying plant materials and peat moss. For that reason, eliminating any waste in the soil will give the mites less to live on, which may lead to their removal.
Step 2
Re-pot your plant into sterile soil. In addition, make sure your pot is thoroughly clean and void of any soil or debris.
Step 3
Drench the plant’s roots to remove the old soil before placing it inside the new soils and pot. Although it is important to remove as much of the old dirt as possible, you must re-pot the plant quickly before its roots dry out or the plant could die.
Step 4
Apply insecticides that consist of pyrethrins to the soil. Note any dilution instructions and follow the directions on the label.
