If you have ever seen a tiny white mite, you may have wondered if they are harmful. The answer is yes and no. Tiny white mites are not harmful to humans, but they can be harmful to plants.
Tiny white mites are plant-feeding creatures that belong to the arachnid family. They are very small, measuring only about 1/50 of an inch in length. These pests are usually found on the underside of leaves where they feed on plant juices. While feeding, tiny white mites inject a toxin into the leaf that causes it to wilt and turn yellow. In heavy infestations, entire leaves may turn brown and die.
Tiny white mites reproduce quickly and can build up large populations in a short period of time. They are most active in warm weather and prefer humid conditions. Indoors, these pests can be controlled by keeping rooms clean and free of clutter where they can hide. Outdoors, cultural practices such as pruning heavily infested branches and removing debris from around the base of trees will help reduce populations