spider mites in soil

Discussion in 'Sick Plants and Problems' started by Cyproz, Nov 6, 2008.

  1. i have alot of these small spider babys or mites in the soil of my seedlings, about 5 days old, none in my 12 day old beauty. how can i get rid of these things without harming the plants.
     
  2. First step would be to identify the insect...is it a slow moving insect, or does it freeley wander around? Is it crawling on the soil or on the plant? There are many species of mites, a lot of them beneficial decomposers or predators of the real pest bugs.
     
    If you have slow moving mites that are found on the plant, stems leaves undersides of leaves, you probably have plant killing spider mites. Another characteristic is if you see silk webbing on your plant. This is when you go into extermination mode.
     
    If you have fast moving, active mites crawling throught your soil they're prolly the beneficial mites. Personally, I keep these mites in the soil because as they decompose they release nutrients that the plant can uptake through the roots. In nature, these mites are very important to the health of the ecosystem. 

    As long as you don't see your plants getting damaged by them you should be good
     
  3. If you really are squeamish about them you could try a couple of things: 3% hydrogen peroxide, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, a hot pepper solution, there are a lot of organic options to control those pests
     
  4. #4 Joker11211952, Apr 24, 2014
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2014
    Get the affected plants away from your older plant that does not have the mites.  If you can afford it and find the mites are harmful- webs on your leaves- I would ditch them and start over with new soil.
     
    You might want to do a search on spider mites on the forum.  You'll probably find a lot and maybe find some pictures.
     

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