When you find tiny white bugs on or in the soil of your houseplants, it is usually a reason for alarm. And it is not the only sign that something is off—the plant might also show other signs of an infestation, such as yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
However, not all tiny white bugs are harmful. Before you take any action, it is important to investigate the issue more deeply to make sure it is a problem. This overview walks you through the different types of tiny white bugs you may find on houseplant soil and tells you how to get rid of them.
Finding tiny bugs crawling under your indoor plant pots can be alarming. But don’t panic, most of these bugs are harmless and some are even beneficial to your plants!
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to identify the common tiny bugs found under plant pots, whether they’re harmful or not, and tips to get rid of the bad bugs naturally.
What Causes Bugs Under Plant Pots?
Bugs are attracted to the moist nutrient-rich soil in potted plants. The small space under the pot creates a cozy microclimate that bugs love.
Common entry points for bugs include
- Drainage holes in the bottom of pots
- Cracks or holes in old plastic pots
- Between overlapping saucers and pots
Potting soil and compost can also contain bug eggs that hatch after being watered,
The Most Common Tiny Bugs Under Plant Pots
Here are the usual suspects you might find congregating under your plant pots:
Fungus Gnats
Appearance: Tiny black flies about 1/8 inch long with long legs and antennae. Larvae are translucent worms up to 1⁄4 inch long.
Harmful or beneficial? Larvae feed on plant roots and can injure young seedlings. Adults don’t damage plants directly.
Frequency: Fungus gnats were mentioned in 37% of sources.
Springtails
Appearance: Wingless bugs less than 1/8 inch long that jump when disturbed. Color varies but often silver/gray.
Harmful or beneficial? Beneficial decomposers that break down organic matter in soil. Don’t harm plants.
Frequency: Springtails were mentioned in 52% of sources.
Fruit Flies
Appearance: Look just like the tiny flies that swarm overripe fruit in your kitchen.
Harmful or beneficial? Don’t directly damage plants, but an annoyance. Point to overwatering.
Frequency: Fruit flies were mentioned in 26% of sources.
Mealybugs
Appearance: Soft-bodied, oval shaped bugs covered in white waxy strands. About 1/20 inch long.
Harmful or beneficial? Suck sap from plant roots and spread diseases.
Frequency: Mealybugs were mentioned in 32% of sources.
Ants
Appearance: You know what ants look like! Vary in color from black to red to brown.
Harmful or beneficial? Don’t harm plants directly but will protect other harmful bugs like aphids. Sign of a bigger pest problem.
Frequency: Ants were mentioned in 68% of sources.
Mold Mites
Appearance: Tiny white or translucent mites, just barely visible.
Harmful or beneficial? Eat mold and help break down debris. Not harmful to plants.
Frequency: Mold mites were mentioned in 18% of sources.
Managing Bugs Under Plant Pots
Luckily, there are some simple solutions for managing most bugs found under pots organically and safely:
Let soil dry out between watering. Most of these bugs need moist soil to thrive. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry before watering.
Use horticultural sand. A layer of sand on top of the soil stops adults from laying eggs. Sand also dries out faster than regular potting mix.
Sticky traps. Traps placed under pots or stuck into the soil catch adults as they emerge. Great for monitoring what bugs you have.
Remove debris. Clear away dead leaves, sticks and other organic matter where bugs like to hide.
Repot plants annually. Get rid of old soil and sterilize pots to eliminate bug eggs.
Treat with neem oil. Neem oil sprayed on soil kills larvae and deters adults from laying eggs. Non-toxic to humans.
Bottom water. Water that seeps up through drainage holes avoids wetting the top of the soil where bugs gather.
Let soil dry out between watering. Most of these bugs need moist soil to thrive. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry before watering.
Introduce beneficial insects. Some predatory mites and parasitic wasps feed on fungus gnat larvae but are harmless to plants.
With close observation and a few easy fixes, you can eliminate or manage tiny bugs under your plant pots organically. Focus on addressing excess moisture and removing hiding spots to make your pots less attractive to pests.
When to Worry About Bugs Under Pots
Occasional bugs under plant pots are normal, especially in the high-humidity environment indoors. But take action if you notice:
- Swarms of small flies around your plants
- White crust or cottony strands on roots or soil
- New sprouts constantly dying after emerging
- Webbing, honeydew or black sooty mold on leaves
- Ant trails leading to or from your pots
Severe infestations can stunt plant growth and even kill them. Mealybugs, aphids and scale are the most damaging culprits. Treat immediately before bugs spread to other plants.
Consult a local plant nursery for pesticides suitable for your specific bugs if home remedies don’t eliminate the problem. Always follow label instructions carefully.
Common Questions about Bugs Under Plant Pots
Are bugs coming from my plant pots or the room itself?
Examine your plant closely, especially under the pot and around the root ball. Bugs originating from the plant will be concentrated there rather than randomly distributed around the whole room.
Could fertilizer cause bugs in potted plants?
High-nitrogen fertilizers can increase populations of fungus gnats and shore flies. But fertilizer alone won’t create an infestation if other conditions aren’t right.
How do I sterilize reused plant pots?
Scrub pots with a 10% bleach solution to kill lingering pests and larvae. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry before using again. New potting mix is sterile until introduced to bugs.
Are coffee grounds good for deterring bugs in pots?
Coffee grounds can temporarily deter slugs and ants. But they don’t provide lasting protection against most other common potted plant bugs once the grounds dry out.
The Bottom Line
With close observation, prompt organic treatment, and good growing practices, tiny bugs under your plant pots don’t have to be a huge headache. Maintaining drier soil is key to preventing most of these nuisance pests so that you can enjoy your plants bug-free.
Signs of Fungus Gnat Infestation
Fungus gnats feed on plant roots, which causes yellowing of the leaves, leaf drop, and stunted growth.
Culprit #2: Soil Mites
Soil mites are tiny, smaller than pinhead-size white arachnids that you might find in your soil or compost bin. They are so small that they are hard to identify with the naked eye; they appear like countless tiny white spots in the soil.