Tiny White Bugs in Soil of Jasmine

Indoor Jasmine Bugs

• Houseplants are commonly plagued by insects such as scale, whiteflies and spider mites. The latter are particularly found in jasmine, according to Clemson University's Extension website. These bugs usually attack the leaves and stem of the plant, however, and not the soil, although they sometimes can be found on the surface of the soil. Mealybugs, on the other hand, usually infect the roots and soil of indoor plants. These tiny white bugs have soft bodies and look like small bits of fuzzy cotton on the soil. Fungus gnats may also be a problem. These tiny black, winged bugs swarm around infected houseplants and lay eggs in the soil. The larvae, which are small and pale, feed on decaying organic matter in the soil and thrive in the moist conditions preferred by jasmine plants.

Outdoor Jasmine Bugs

• Many outdoor bugs that live in the soil are actually beneficial. Predatory mites, for example, feed on soil nematodes that normally infest and damage the roots of plants. Fungus feeding arthropods help break down decaying matter, returning the beneficial nutrients to the soil. If your jasmine plant seems to be thriving, those tiny white bugs are likely not affecting the roots of the plant at all and may even be helping your plant.

Treatment

• If your plant seems to be thriving regardless of the bugs, then the best treatment is to simply leave it alone. This may be the case for outdoor plants. Indoor plants usually benefit from repotting into fresh, sterilized potting soil. If you don't want to do that, you can drench the soil with an insecticide. Follow the directions for application on the package as per the size and age of your jasmine plant. Small plants may need a diluted solution.

Prevention

• Some insect pests that infest the soil are attracted by decaying matter, which occurs when the soil is overly wet. In extreme cases, the roots are part of the decaying matter -- they rot when they become saturated with too much water. The best way to prevent the bugs from infesting your soil is to keep your jasmine barely moist, but never soggy. In the winter, let the first few inches of soil dry to the touch before watering it again. Indoor plants are often infested when the gardener brings them home. Always check the soil and plant to make sure it is bug-free when purchased.