6 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Soil Mites—Before They Ruin Your Plants

Mites are key decomposers in the soil and are readily apparent in compost, mulch, and organic-rich areas. Generally, most mites you see in your soil pose no concern and can be a sign of soil health, says Tracy Ellis, entomologist at FarmSense. However, there are root-feeding mites that can damage your plants. "Harmful root-feeding species will be noticeable as they will form feeding clusters targeted on the tissue of plant roots and bulbs," Ellis says. To help you treat bad mites, we consulted with pest control experts who shared their go-to natural methods for eliminating these insects.

How to Identify Soil Mites

Soil mites are so tiny that they are most noticeable when they are moving. "Mites are eight-legged creatures when fully matured and smaller than a pencil tip," Ellis explains. "They come in a variety of colors such as red, brown, reddish-brown, white, translucent, yellowish, or cream-colored. If you want a good view of mites, use a 10 times magnifying glass." You will primarily see them in the soil itself.

How to Identify Soil Mite Damage

In most cases, soil mites don’t directly harm plants, as they primarily feed on decaying matter, fungi, and other microorganisms. "If you’re seeing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or weak root systems, it's more likely that the underlying problem is overwatering, root rot, or fungus gnats, rather than the mites themselves," says Jason Napolski, CEO and president of A-Tex Pest Management. "Be cautious not to misdiagnose—true soil mite damage is rare and usually secondary to other issues."

That said, some mite species, like Tarsonemidae mites, may cause damage to roots or seedlings and are most noticeable when seedlings or bulbs exhibit a lack of vigor. "True root-damaging mites that are plant feeding are rare in the garden and mainly affect bulbs and tubers such as flower bulbs, garlic, and green onions," she says.

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Natural Ways to Get Rid of Soil Mites

Although root-feeding soil mites are rare, they can be an issue for houseplants and in the garden. Follow these expert-approved recommendations for naturally eliminating these pests.

Remove Infected Plants

The quickest way to treat root-eating soil mites is to remove the infested plants from the garden. "Infested plants can be bagged in plastic and allowed to solarize until the soil temperature reaches over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of days," suggests Ellis.

Replace the Top Layer of Soil

Carefully remove the top 1 to 2 inches of infested soil and replace it with a sterile potting mix. "Scoop out the top layer, discard it in a sealed bag, and refill with clean soil," Napolski says. "This only removes part of the mite population, and deeper mites may persist." Be sure to avoid mixing old soil into other pots, and always clean your tools afterward.

Release Predatory Mites

Use beneficial mites to help control the spread of their less desirable counterparts. "If there are few options for changing the growing conditions or crop, a proactive release of predatory mites—such as Stratiolaelaps scimitus—may suppress some types of harmful soil mites," Ellis says. "Particularly those that are small, in soft-bodied stages, and moisture-loving, like bulb mites."

Apply Neem Oil

Applying a diluted neem oil or soap solution to the soil surface may help with your soil mite population. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of neem oil with a quart of water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Spray the soil surface every few days for a week. "Neem oil has a strong smell and may harm beneficial microbes in the soil if overused," Napolski warns. "Don’t overapply—this treatment is more effective when combined with dry conditions and good airflow."

Eliminate Moist Soil

Napolski suggests creating a drier environment to discourage mite activity. "Adjust your watering schedule to let the top inch or two of soil dry completely between waterings," he says, adding that this isn’t suitable for plants that need consistently moist soil. Be sure to monitor plant health closely—wilting or browning leaves may signal underwatering.

How to Prevent Soil Mites

Prevention begins with proper soil hygiene and effective watering practices. When using potting mix, always use sterilized potting mix and avoid reusing old soil that may harbor eggs or decaying organic matter," Napolski says. "Be careful not to overwater, as constantly moist soil creates ideal breeding conditions for mites and other pests."

For houseplants, Ellis also recommends using sterilized, store-bought potting soil for transplantation instead of garden soil to prevent the introduction of mites indoors. "You can also add a top layer of horticultural sand to potted plants to reduce surface moisture and deter mites," Napolski adds. "Regularly inspecting plants and repotting when necessary can keep populations in check before they become noticeable."