Root Aphids or Soil Mites – Which One Do You Have?
We know the feeling when you discover bugs in your plants and soil. There is always that initial dread that you may have an infestation on your hands. What are these tiny bugs? Are they root aphids or soil mites – how do you tell the difference?
Before you reach for the pesticide, it might not be as bad as you initially feared. Not all bugs are destructive. Some are beneficial insects – and it is crucial to understand how to identify the good ones (soil mites) from the harmful bugs (root aphids).

In this article, you can expect to learn:
- how to tell the difference between root aphids and soil mites (using a comparison table)
- the key differences in behavior, where they reside and damage caused, and
- next steps for removal (or maintenance) of the bugs.
Root Aphids vs. Soil Mites Comparison Table
For those of you who want to quickly identify the bugs you have, we’ve created a comparison table that
