Tips For Spider Mites Control
Spider mites are common garden pests that thrive in hot and dry conditions, although they are active during springtime their populations become nervous from June through September. These insect pests are also known as ” cool season mites”. These mites belong to the Tertanychidae family which includes 1,200 species, these arachnids are not true spiders.
I have treated these garden insect pests both on outdoor as well as indoor plants, in this guide we will be taking a closer look at this insect and how to bring control so your plants can maintain their health and their beauty.
Spider Mite Identification
Spider mites are so tiny they are barely visible to the naked eye, these insects are hard to spot, you will need the help of a 10x hands lens, the adult female is the largest form and is less than 1/20 inch long. Spider mites live in colonies mostly on the undersides of plant leaves. A single colony may contain hundreds of individuals.
The Biology of Spider Mites
The female lays her eggs on the undersides of the plant leaves in groups of 10 or 20, the eggs are protected or incase in white spider webs, the female spider mite may also lay or deposit her eggs in fallen leaves, weeds, or debris to overwinter or staying dormant until early spring. But the typical life cycle of the spider mite is as follows. The egg, the larva, and the two nymphal stages.
The length of time from egg to adult varies greatly depending on the temperature, under the right conditions (80ºF) these mites complete their development in about 5 to 25 days. The adult female lives about 2 to 4 weeks and can lay several hundreds of eggs during her short life span.
Spider Mite Damage or Symptoms
To know if spider mites are the culprit of your garden plant decline look for these signs
- Leaves take on a grey-dusty appearance, the leaves may sometimes appear a pale yellow
- The leaves have tiny holes known as stipplings where the mites are feeding, this feeding removes chlorophyll
- Webbing can be seen on and in between the leaves, in extreme cases, the entire plant may be covered with webs
- The leaves of certain types of plant species that are affected by spider mites take on a bronze or brownish cast, bronzing may come after or before stipplings
- Another test to know if spider mites are present is to take a sheet of white paper and place it under the infected leaf/leaves. Now tap or shake the leaves if you see tiny dots moving about on the sheet of paper, you may even feel them crawling on your face and arms. If this is your experience then you most likely have a spider mite issue.
Biological Control
Biological control is a safe approach to controlling the population of spider mites, this method involves the use of beneficial insects that are natural predators of spider mites. Examples of spider mites are ladybugs, lacewing larvae, the spider mite destroyer, big-eyed bugs, Western flower thrips, minute pirate bugs, etc…. beneficial insects can be purchased and released in your garden or introducing them naturally by installing the right plants to attract these insects.
Home-Made Remedies
- Rosemary oil works great as a natural repellent for spider mites.
- Combine a quart of warm water with one teaspoon of dish liquid, shake this mixture thoroughly, and add to a spray bottle. When spraying ensure that this mixture dispenses fine and misty getting total coverage of both the top and undersides of the leaves.
- Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol to 4 parts water in a bowl, dip a piece of clean cloth in this solution, and begin to clean the leaves in a rubbing manner.
Chemical Control
Chemical treatments should be the last resort and should only be introduced when the spider mite populations are in great numbers, some chemicals that can be used for spider mite control are insecticidal, soap, horticultural oil, neem oil, etc.… before using insecticides read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best result. Once the area is treated keep kids and pets out of these areas.
10 FAQs About How To Control Spider Mites
1. What exactly are spider mites, and why are they a problem?
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that live on the undersides of plant leaves. Though small, they cause big problems by damaging leaves, leaving behind speckled yellow spots, and even causing plants to dry out or die. You might also notice fine webbing—that’s a giveaway!
2. How can I tell if my plants have spider mites?
Check the underside of leaves for tiny red, green, or brown dots that move. You’ll often see fine, silken webbing and leaves turning yellow or looking dry and spotted. If you’re unsure, tap a leaf over a white paper and look for tiny dots crawling around.
3. What causes spider mite infestations in the first place?
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry environments, especially when plants are stressed or lacking humidity. Over-fertilizing and lack of airflow can also invite them in. They can hitch a ride on new plants or even blow in from nearby gardens or lawns.
4. Can spider mites harm people or pets?
No need to worry—spider mites are a threat to plants, not humans or pets. They won’t bite you or make your pets sick, but they can wreak havoc on your houseplants, veggies, flowers, or even outdoor trees if left unchecked.
5. What’s the fastest way to get rid of spider mites naturally?
Start with a strong blast of water from a hose to knock them off the plant. Follow that up with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a homemade spray made from water, dish soap, and a little vegetable oil. Spray the leaves—especially underneath—every few days until they’re gone.
6. Are there any bugs that eat spider mites?
Yes! Ladybugs, lacewings, and especially predatory mites are natural enemies of spider mites. You can actually buy these beneficial insects online or at garden centers and release them onto your plants for safe, eco-friendly control.
7. Will spider mites spread from plant to plant?
Absolutely—they move quickly between plants, especially when they’re close together. If you spot mites on one plant, isolate it if possible and check nearby plants for signs. Acting early helps keep the problem from becoming a full-blown infestation.
8. Can indoor plants get spider mites too?
Yes, and it happens more often than you’d think! Indoor plants in dry, heated environments are prime targets. Keep your indoor humidity up, mist your plants occasionally, and inspect new plants before bringing them into your home.
9. Do chemical pesticides work on spider mites?
Some do, but not all. Regular insecticides often miss spider mites because they’re arachnids, not insects. Look for products labeled specifically for mites or miticides. Just be sure to follow directions carefully and use them as a last resort if natural methods fail.
10. How can I prevent spider mites from coming back?
Keep your plants healthy, well-watered, and free of dust. Increase humidity with misting or a humidifier, especially indoors. Avoid over-fertilizing, clean your tools regularly, and inspect new plants before adding them to your collection. Prevention is the easiest way to stay mite-free!
Conclusion
Spider mites are garden insects pest that will do much damage to your gardens and landscapes but you can strike back with these proven methods that have given good results why not contact us and let us put a program in place for you that will bring success as your garden and landscape plants produce a great harvest.