Solving a problem is impossible when you can’t identify its cause. And this is a common challenge with spider mite-infested plants. They are hard to see, so it’s difficult to spot spider mites on plants. Hence, it is crucial to know what they are and how to eliminate them.
In this article, we will discuss the following:
- What are spider mites?
- Signs of spider mite infestation
- How to prevent spider mites on plants
- How to control and treat spider mites on plants.
What are Spider Mites?
Spider mites are a member of the Tetranychidae family. They fall under arachnids, the same class as spiders and ticks. The number of spider mites species is around 1,200, but the two-spotted spider mite and the red spider mites are the most common. These mites are less than 1mm in size and can range from red, yellow, orange, brown, green, or even translucent. Here are 8 types of mites for future identity.
Spider mites feed on outdoor and indoor garden plants, mostly during hot, dry conditions. They suck the sap of various plants, making them dangerous plant pests. Spider mites get their name from their web-spinning habit. They spin silk webs on leaves and stems to protect the colony from predators.
Signs of Spider Mite Infestation on Plants
Spider mites are hard to see. To the naked eye, they can look like moving specks. While it’s easier to look out for signs of infestation, you can also look out for mites:
- Using a 10X hand lens can help you see them. Look under the leaf’s surface with the hand lens to check for mites.
- Get a white sheet of paper and hold it below the affected leaf. Tap on it with your finger. If there are mites, you will notice tiny dots on the paper.
There are also telltale signs of spider mite infestation. They are not a cause of concern when it’s just a few mites. But if a colony of mites infests your plants, they will cause visible damage.
Unfortunately, they multiply fast. Usually, a mite can lay hundreds of eggs within its life cycle. And a larva can become sexually mature within five days. These mites then live on the underside of leaves and suck their sap. But, the signs of an infestation are more visible at the top. Some signs of spider mite infestation are:
- Yellow or white spots on the top of leaves
- Silky webs spun on the stem of plants and the underside of leaves.
- Discoloration
- Moving white, brown, and red dots at the underside of leaves.
- In heavy infestation and continuous feeding, leaves turn yellow or bronze and dry up or fall.
How to Prevent Spider Mites On Plants
Preventative measures for spider mites will reduce the risk of an infestation. It will also help you notice an infestation early enough. Here are some ways to prevent spider mites on plants:
- Isolate New Plants:
Mites can infest plants from the nursery. To prevent possible transmission, isolate them for several weeks. You should check them for signs of infestation before replanting them with the rest of your houseplants.
- Clean the Leaves:
If you own a small garden, you can clean the leaves with a damp cloth or brush to remove dirt. This will remove mites and eradicate dust. Doing this might be difficult for extensive gardens. Hence, you can also use water. Rinse the leaves of plants with water to keep them free of dust.
- Reduce Water Stress:
Stressed plants are more susceptible to spider mites. This is because they love stressed plants. Unfortunately, spider mites are prominent in hot, dry conditions, which is the same period plants get stressed. Water your plants often to keep them moisturized and keep mites at bay.
- Encourage Predators:
Spider mites are prey to several predatory insects and mites that don’t harm plants. They include ladybugs, lacewings, big-eyed bugs, and mites of the Phytoseiidae family. Providing a natural environment for their predators to thrive can prevent spider mites. You could also buy them (Live Neoseiulus Amblyseius Californicus) to reduce the chances of an infestation.
How to Control and Treat Spider Mites on Plants
If you already have mite-infested plants, there are several ways you can control and eradicate them:
Create a Soap Solution
One of the easiest ways to kill spider mites is using a simple dish soap solution. Mix liquid dish soap with water and clean the leaves of your plants. The soap will suffocate them. Mix one-quarter of lukewarm water with a teaspoon of liquid soap in a spray bottle and spray the plants. You should mainly focus on the undersides as it is where they stay.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide for humans and animals. But it destroys a variety of insects and mites. Spraying neem oil on plants will kill spider mite eggs on contact and also kill adult mites. You should dilute the oil in water. Neem oil is also harmful to fish and aquatic creatures, so use it with caution.
Water Sprays
Mites are very tiny. While this works to their advantage most times, it could also be a disadvantage. Their lightweight means you can flush them out with water. Continuous washing of plants with powerful blasts of water will significantly reduce mites’ population. Target the undersides and stems when doing so for a better result.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an effective way of killing spider mites. The rubbing alcohol does this by dehydrating them. Mix a cup of rubbing alcohol with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the underside of your plants, stems, flowers, and foliage. Do a spray test on a leaf before trying it on the entire plant, as some plants are more sensitive to rubbing alcohol.
Horticultural and Plant-based Oils
Besides neem, other horticultural and plant-based oils can also eliminate spider mites. These oils include canola, cinnamon, rosemary, and clove oil. Plant-based oil is preferable to chemicals because chemicals are harmful to health. Some chemical solutions can also increase mites’ reproduction and kill helpful predators.
Spider Mites on Plants Conclusion
Spider mites are pests that infest and cause damage to garden plants. Red mites and two-spotted mites are the most common species. Spider mites reproduce rapidly, but you can prevent and control them. Soap solution, water spray, plant-based oils, and spider mites predators can help control and eradicate spider mites on plants.
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