Spider mites are incredibly small yet highly destructive pests that can cause significant damage to plants and vegetation. Often living and feeding on the undersides of leaves spider mites are also seen in the soil beneath the plants they are feeding off.
This has many people asking whether or not spider mites live in soil?
In short, spider mites will infest both the soil in your garden as well as the plants! However, they typically live on plants for most of their life cycle, and will only spend a short period of time on the soil surface.
But, why are spider mites often seen on soil, and how long do they live there? All these questions will be answered along with some tips on how to get rid of them if you find you have an infestation on your hands.
Why Do Spider Mites Live In Soil?
While most of their life cycle is spent on plants, spider mites can also live inside the soil of the plants are planted in, and there are several reasons for this:
- Habitat Preference: Soil provides a moist and humid environment that is conducive to their survival. This is especially true in areas with high humidity levels.
- Breeding: The moist soil also provides a good breeding ground for spider mites, allowing them to reproduce quickly and in large numbers.
- Food Source: Soil is rich in organic matter, which includes decaying plants and other organisms. This serves as a significant food source for spider mites.
- Protection: Soil offers protection against predators, harsh weather conditions, and pesticides. These mites often reside on the undersides of leaves close to the soil, and when disturbed or in unfavorable conditions, they can retreat into the soil.
- Migration: Spider mites use soil as a medium to move from one plant to another. They can crawl through the soil or be carried by wind or water to new locations.
As you can see, spider mites may live in soil for a variety of reasons, as mentioned above, and understanding this can definitely help gardeners take steps to control their populations and protect their plants.
How Long Do Spider Mites Live In Soil?
Spider mites have a relatively short life cycle, which typically lasts between 5 to 20 days, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
During this time, they go through several stages, including egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Of course, the length of each stage varies depending on the temperature and humidity levels.
When spider mites are present in the soil, it’s typically for laying their eggs, which hatch into larvae and eventually nymphs. This process can take 2 to 3 days depending on the conditions! The nymphs will then climb up the plant to feed on the leaves and stems.
Spider mites can reproduce rapidly, with a single female laying up to 100 eggs in her lifetime. This means that a small infestation can quickly become a large one if left untreated.
If you notice spider mites on your plants it’s important to take measures to control them as soon as they are detected, whether they are living on plants or in the soil.
What Do Spider Mite Eggs Look Like In Soil?
Spider mite eggs are small and barely noticeable to the naked eye! However, if you take a closer look at the soil where your plants are growing, you should spot some white or yellowish specks that have a round spherical shape approximately 150 µm22 in size.
These microscopic eggs may seem harmless, but they can quickly turn into a serious problem if left unchecked. The best way to prevent spider mite infestations is to keep a close eye on your plants and take action at the first sign of trouble.
If you’re unsure of how to get rid of spider mites then keep reading as we have left detailed instructions on how to do this while also saving your plants at the same time.
Do Spider Mites Live In Houseplant Soil?
Houseplants are a great way to bring nature indoors. However, the idea of microscopic spider mites living in the soil might make some people uneasy. “But” while it is possible for spider mites to live in houseplant soil, it’s unlikely to occur unless the plant has been exposed to outdoor conditions.
With that said, if you do find out that your plants have spider mites there are some steps you can take! Here are a variety of methods, you can use including:
- Pruning-infested leaves and stems
- Spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Increasing humidity levels around the plant
- Keeping the plant well-watered and fertilized to promote healthy growth
Houseplant owners should focus on treating the entire plant to control spider mites, including the leaves, stems, and soil.
How To Rid Of Spider Mites In My Soil?
Now this section is for treating your outdoor plants! Being outside spider mites can quickly infest your garden in no time at all. So here are some steps you can take to get rid of them.
Step 1
The first step in getting rid of spider mites in your soil is to identify the infested plants. Look for signs of spider mites such as stippling, yellowing leaves, and webbing.
Once you have identified the infested plants, separate them from the healthy ones to prevent the spread of the mites.
Step 2
The next step is to prune the infested leaves and stems. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off the affected parts of the plant.
Be sure to dispose of the pruned parts in a sealed bag to prevent the mites from spreading.
Step 3
After pruning, wash the remaining parts of the plant with a strong stream of water to remove any remaining mites. Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves and the stems as this is where the mites usually hide.
Step 4
Apply a natural insecticide to the remaining parts of the plant to kill any remaining mites. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and pyrethrin are effective natural insecticides that can be used to get rid of spider mites.
Step 5
Finally, keep a close eye on your plants and continue to monitor them for any signs of spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants and take action immediately if you notice any signs of infestation.
By following these steps, you can effectively get rid of spider mites in your soil and protect your plants from further damage.
Conclusion
So there you have it! yes, spider mites can live in your soil but it’s only for a short period. However, as mentioned in this article there are ways for you to combat this problem and hopefully save your plants in the process.
