Summary
There are many different living organisms that can inhabit those tiny white worms in your soil. Some possible inhabitants include:
- Pot worms
- Fungus gnat larvae
- Nematodes
So those tiny white worms are there for good reason, and all of those organisms in your soil are beneficial to your plants and soil because they do many beneficial things, such as:
- Eating dead organic matter
- Providing nutrients to plants
- Eating pests (some nematodes do this)
Of, course they can also do bad things. For example, fungus gnat larvae feed on plant roots, which can damage your plants- especially seedlings. Some nematodes do the same thing.
So, unless you are seeing issues with your plants health, specific to the soil being overwatered (which many organisms – like pot worms and fungus gnat larvae- love), or similar, you would be better off letting the tiny white worms do their thing.
Overall, it’s a good idea to wear gardening gloves and when you’re finished in your garden wash your hands well to avoid contact-but that’s good practice anyway.
Of course, you can always consult with a professional if needed.
Is it a pest, or is it not a pest?
That right there has our vote to be a game show. In fact, it’s probably a game show you have already played a few times.
You’re trimming plants, watering, or otherwise minding your business and you see some funny little critters in your soil. Your brain starts racing. Are they harming your plants? Are they helping? Are they doing nothing?
It’s not easy to know!
It’s just a part of the fun of being a gardener.
Now, you are back to the game show again, but with tiny white worms in your soil.
So, are they harming your plants? Helping your plants? Or doing nothing?
And more importantly, what in the world are these things?
As a quick side note, here are just a few examples of tiny white worms in your soil. Always, if you are unsure about what you are seeing and especially related to seeing any negative effects to your plants, reach out to a local expert.
Now, let’s get on to talking about pot worms.
Pot Worms
Pot worms are extremely small (we’re talking about millimeters), somewhat transparent, white to gray, and they wriggle to crawl.
If you have pot worms in your soil—and they have these criteria—you have pot worms.
Pot worms also help decompose organic CAN material. They break down that material and turn it into nutrients for your plants.
While there are the criteria you may use to help determine if you have pot worms, the main indicator is the moisture of the soil. In short, pot worms love moist soil. So, the more moist your soil is, the more likely they will be there.
In fact, actually, one reason where you would be more likely to find pot worms pots and other plant containers (I am sure you where the term “pot” worms originates from!) because pots and containers tend to have problems with drainage and can have overwatering.
Keep in mind that these problems can be fixed by improving drainage and decreasing watering frequency. But also keep in mind not to underwater, as this causes other problems!
Fungus Gnat Larvae
Fungus gnat larvae max out at about a quarter of an inch, white to cream colored, translucent, and with black heads.
Additionally, they live somewhat near the roots, making them difficult to spot (or identify) in the first place. You can find them, but it would require digging, or catching them if they float near the surface of the soil by chance.
If you see adults fungus gnats, you can assume there are (very likely) fungus gnats larvae.
Again, like pot worms, the biggest indication that you have fungus gnat larvae is over-watered soil. Fungus gnats and their larvae love the overly moist wet soil.
Once again, like pot worms, fungus gnat larvae helps break down dead organic matter. Unlike pot worms, fungus gnat larvae are more likely to also feed on plant roots. This will affect mature plants, but is usually more on seedlings.
There are various ways to treat fungus gnats, like sprinkling cinnamon on your soil or decreasing your watering (and being mindful to not overly let your plants dry out).
Nematodes
Nematodes are the tiny white worms that may be found in your soil; however, a microscope will allow you to see them. Most nematodes will grow to a maximum of 2.5 millimeters (0.09 inches) long.
Just for reference, a pencil tip is 1 millimeter, so you will be searching for something 2 and 1/2 pencil tips long without the aid of a microscope.
Keep in mind, nematodes are is very likely in your soil.
And the vast majority of nematodes are beneficial. They eat dead organic matter, bacteria, fungi, and even some pests.
Unfortunately, some nematodes will feed on the roots of plants; others will be parasitic to humans.
The best thing you can do to prevent any issues with nematodes, is wear gloves while working in your garden and wash your hands very well.
You can also plant these biofumigant plants (the plants exude substances that would naturally suppress nematodes), or take treatment options, you can also reach out to a professional and they can let you know if you even need to do anything!
What Causes Tiny White Worms In Your Soil?
For most intents and purposes, soil-grade tiny white worms are perfectly normal and natural. You should expect to see them in your soil.
Your problem occurs when they are too numerous or they are the wrong ones. Usually, this indicates some other problem, in this case, it usually means you are overwatering, so let’s start there.
Overly Moist or Overwatered Soil
Soil can become overly moist or too overwatered from a variety of reasons:
- Extreme or prolonged rain
- Poorly draining soil (or containers)
- Compacted soil (packed down soil)
- Human error (watering too much or too often)
Each one of these can create a problem for your soil and the amount of water it is able to retain. When combined, they can result in even worse problems.
Unfortunately, organisms like pot worms and fungus gnats thrive in this kind of environment. This can lead to them exploiting this environment and overpopulating an area.
With fungus gnat larvae, a large population indicates more damage to your plants’ roots, but in combination with plants that are suffering from overwatering you have quite a bit of work to do to recover and balance everything out to help your plants start recovering.
Dead Organic Matter
Pot worms, fungus gnats and their larvae and nematodes, all feed on dead organic matter. It is their function in nature, to consume dead organic matter and turn it into nutrients for plants.
If you have a garden, you are going to have dead organic matter (even if you don’t add other dead organic matter such as compost to your soil). It is a perfectly normal and natural part of the gardening process and cycle of nature.
Then, you are going to have tiny white worms too – pot worms, fungus gnats and nematodes.
Plant Roots
Nematodes and fungus gnat larvae feed on the roots of plants. This can potentially become a problem if it influences the health of your plants.
Keep an eye on younger plants. They will typically be more susceptible to root damage.
Other Microorganisms
Some nematodes feed on other microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and pests, but just because you have bacteria, fungi, and pests does not mean you will have that type of nematode. You will just have a higher possibility.
They Were In Your Soil That You Bought
There is always a chance that the soil you purchased for your outdoor or indoor plants may have these microorganisms in it originally. Try to buy soil from local and reputable sources so as to limit any potential detractors from other areas that may potentially be harmful to your soil ecosystem.
If you are buying bagged soil, open the bag and sift through the soil, check for flies, possible larvae and a slightly rancid smell and return to where you bought it, letting them know.
Tiny White Worms In Soil Indoors, What Does It Mean?
There is no difference in tiny white worms present in your soil indoors or outdoors. They are there for the same reasons (rainfall being the exception), and they should be there.
Again, the only potential issue is if you have too many or the wrong kind.
When To Worry About Tiny White Worms In Your Soil
You should only worry about tiny white worms in your soil if you are seeing the over watering issue mentioned above or seeing that your plant’s health is in any way impacted.
In the case of the latter, yours eyes should be peeled for some or any of this development:
- Leaves turning yellow
- Your plant wilting
- Your plant’s growth is stunted or inhibited
Also, in the case of nematodes, you should worry if it’s the kind that is parasitic to humans.
What To Do If You See Tiny White Worms In Your Soil
In conclusion, unless you see any problems occurring with your plant or soil, do not do anything. Leave your worms alone. They are doing their job, and their job is beneficial for your soil and plants.
That said, it is advisable to wear gloves when working with soil.
Also, it would be difficult (without professional assistance) to determine what those tiny white worms are. Tiny white worms can be nematodes, fungus gnats, pot worms and more.
Taking action without professional support or certainty of what those tiny white worms are doing could negatively impact your plants, soil and garden.
So, if you are concerned with the worms and cannot identify them, seek local professional input. Hear what they have to say, and work with them to identify a solution, if there is a possible need.
If there is a solution needed, we suggest an organic solution and not a chemical or artificial one.