Spider mites are a common pest that can infest both indoor and outdoor plants These tiny 8-legged creatures are related to spiders and feed by sucking sap from plant leaves and stems Heavy infestations can quickly damage or kill plants. Knowing how to identify spider mites and treat infestations is important for plant health.
What Are Spider Mites?
Spider mites belong to the taxonomic family Tetranychidae and there are hundreds of species, The most common plant-feeding spider mites are
- Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) – Feeds on over 200 host plants
- Spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) – Damages conifers
- Southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis) – Pest of shrubs and trees
- Strawberry spider mite (Tetranychus turkestani) – Infests strawberries and vegetables
These pests all have oval-shaped bodies, measure less than 1 mm long, and have eight legs. Their colors range from red, brown, yellow, to green.
What Do Spider Mites Look Like on Plants?
Spider mites can be hard to spot with the naked eye. But there are signs that indicate spider mites are present on plants:
Silk Webbing
Spider mites spin fine silky webs on leaves and stems where they live. The webs look similar to very fine cobwebs. Webbing starts off small but gets more extensive as the infestation grows.
Specks on Leaves
At first glance, spider mites can resemble tiny dirt specks. But on closer inspection with a magnifying glass, the specks are clusters of the mites.
Stippling Damage
One sign of spider mite feeding is yellowish or whitish stippling spots on leaves. The spots develop as the mites suck out chlorophyll.
Distorted Growth
With prolonged feeding, spider mite damage can cause leaves to become deformed and twisted. Plants may also show stunted growth.
Thin Foliage
Infestations can cause plants to lose leaves. Branches with thin foliage and large bare patches may indicate spider mite damage.
Spider Mite Pictures
Here are some photos illustrating what spider mites and the damage they cause look like:
Spider mite webbing on a plant stem
Spider mite webbing on a plant stem
Stippling damage on a leaf from spider mites
Stippling damage on a leaf from spider mites
Red spider mites on the underside of a leaf
Red spider mites on the underside of a leaf
Severe damage and leaf loss from spider mites
Severe damage and leaf loss from spider mites
How to Get Rid of Spider Mites
If you detect signs of spider mites, take action right away to get rid of them before they multiply and kill plants. Here are effective ways to eliminate spider mites:
Isolate Infested Plants
Quarantine plants with spider mites to prevent spreading. Discard plants that are heavily infested.
Apply Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps containing potassium salts of fatty acids kill mites through contact. Spray all parts of plants.
Use Neem Oil
Neem oil solutions disrupt spider mites and other pests. It can be sprayed directly onto plants.
Apply Horticultural Oils
Refined oils like neem, cottonseed, or citrus oils smother mites on contact when sprayed on plants.
Spray Plants With Water
Washing plants with a strong stream of water can help dislodge mites.
Introduce Predatory Insects
Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites feed on spider mites and help control infestations.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Wiping plant leaves with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution kills mites on contact.
Prune Heavily Infested Parts
Remove leaves, stems, or branches with webbing and dispose of them.
With persistence, you can eliminate a spider mite infestation using one or a combination of these methods. It’s also important to address conditions spider mites prefer such as low humidity and poor ventilation.
Spider Mite Prevention Tips
Prevent spider mites by following these tips:
- Inspect new plants thoroughly before bringing indoors
- Keep indoor plants away from direct sun to avoid excess dryness
- Mist plant leaves frequently to increase humidity
- Propagate outdoor plants from cuttings to avoid pests on new plants
- Hose down outdoor plants to remove dust that can harbor mites
- Release predatory insects in gardens for biological pest control
Catching infestations early and taking quick action provides the best chance of spider mite control. Check plants often for the signs of spider mites and deal with any problems before they get out of hand. With diligence, you can keep these pesky plant pests from destroying your indoor and outdoor plants.
Super Simple Spider Mite Control and Prevention
FAQ
How do I tell if my plant has spider mites?
What is the fastest way to get rid of spider mites on plants?
Kill spider mites by combining a mixture of 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 4 cups of water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution on your plants.
What attracts spider mites to plants?
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Stress:Spider mites thrive on plants that are not getting enough water or are otherwise stressed, making them more vulnerable to infestation.
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Dry Conditions:Hot and dry conditions are ideal for spider mite reproduction, as they multiply rapidly in such environments.
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Dust:Dusty areas, like those near roadways or at garden edges, are prime locations for spider mites to settle and spread.
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Leaf Structure:Spider mites are more likely to infest thin, broad leaves because they are easier to puncture and suck out plant juices.
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Sunlight:While they are attracted to the light, spider mites are more likely to infest new growth on plants in direct sunlight.
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Other Factors:Certain types of insecticides, like carbaryl and some organophosphates, can also favor spider mite outbreaks.
Can I use Dawn dish soap for spider mites?
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1. Create the solution:Mix a small amount of Dawn dish soap with water. A common ratio is 2 tablespoons of Dawn per 12 ounces of water.
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2. Spray thoroughly:Use a spray bottle to thoroughly spray the solution on the entire plant, including the top and underside of leaves, stems, and branches.
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3. Target the undersides:Spider mites often live on the underside of leaves, so make sure to spray that area well.
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4. Repeat as needed:You may need to repeat this process every few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the infestation.