How to Get Rid of Spider Mites [Everything You Need to Know]
If you're here, chances are you're dealing with spider mites, or perhaps you’re just gearing up with knowledge to prevent future invasions. Either way, you're in the right place!
Spider mites are a common challenge for both indoor and outdoor plant enthusiasts and often, we don't see them until there's a full-blown infestation – their size can deceive the naked eye, but their impact is unmistakable.
These plant-feeding mites, part of a vast species of spider mites, are tiny architects of some of the most challenging scenarios a gardener can face. They thrive by sucking the life out of our beloved plants, leaving behind a trail of damage and dismay.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn not just about the different species of spider mites and how to spot them, but also about effective ways to control them with our Natural Plant Protector. We'll also explore why spider mites favor certain plants over others and how simple practices, like watering your plants correctly, can make a significant difference.
Understanding Spider Mites
Despite their name, spider mites are not actually spiders but belong to the arachnid family, similar to spiders. These minuscule pests, typically measuring about 1/50 inch, are known for their destructive feeding habits on plants, both indoor and outdoor.
Their life cycle begins with tiny, spherical eggs, usually laid on the undersides of leaves.
These hatch into larvae, which initially have only six legs. As they mature through various stages – larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and finally into adulthood – they develop eight legs, becoming more voracious feeders at each stage. This entire cycle can be alarmingly swift, sometimes completing in as little as a week in warm conditions, leading to rapid population explosions.
The Different Species of Spider Mites
Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae): Perhaps the most infamous, this species is easily recognizable by its two distinct dark spots on its greenish or yellowish body. They are notorious for causing significant damage to a wide range of plants, both indoor and outdoor.
Red Spider Mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus): Similar to the two-spotted variety, these mites are redder in color. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and are commonly found in greenhouses and indoor environments.
European Red Mite (Panonychus ulmi): Predominantly affecting fruit trees, this species is red and slightly larger than the two-spotted spider mite. They are known for the significant damage they cause to fruit crops.
Spruce Spider Mite (Oligonychus ununguis): This species is a common pest for coniferous plants. Unlike others, they are more active in cooler weather, especially in spring and fall.
Signs of Spider Mite Damage on Plants
Tiny Webbing: Spider mites are distinguished by their ability to produce fine silk webbing on plants, especially on the undersides of leaves and where the leaf joins the stem, which they use for protection and to travel between plant areas. This webbing is often the first indicator of an infestation.
Leaf Damage: Spider mites feed by piercing plant cells and sucking out their contents. This results in tiny yellow or white speckles on leaves, known as stippling. Severe infestations can cause leaves to turn yellow, dry out, and fall off.
Visible Mites and Eggs: With a magnifying glass, you can sometimes see the mites, particularly in severe infestations. They may appear as tiny moving dots, often red, green, yellow, or brown. Their eggs, which are even smaller, might also be visible as tiny, translucent spheres.
Plant Health Decline: Affected plants often look unhealthy and may exhibit stunted growth. If your plant is losing vigor, with leaves curling, drying, or dropping excessively, it might be a sign of spider mites, especially if the plant is in a dry, warm environment.
Using a White Paper Test: Gently shake a leaf over a piece of white paper. If tiny specks fall onto the paper and start moving, those are likely spider mites.
Common Plants Affected by Spider Mites
Indoor Plants
Houseplants: Spider mites have a notorious reputation for infesting houseplants. They thrive in warm, dry conditions, often found in our homes, especially during winter when indoor heating is used. Common victims include ornamental plants like Ficus, Dracaena, and Croton. These mites are tiny, so you might not see them until there's significant damage. Houseplants infested with spider mites often exhibit a dusty appearance on their leaves, a result of the mites' fine webbing and the stippling from their feeding. See our full guide on keeping houseplants healthy here.
Tropical and Subtropical Plants: Plants like Alocasia, Anthurium, and Orchids, which thrive in more humid environments, can also fall prey to spider mites. These mites are a common pest in greenhouses, where they can rapidly multiply in ideal conditions.
Outdoor Plants
Garden Vegetables and Fruits: Spider mites are common garden pests often found on vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. They also target fruit trees such as apple and peach. These plants can be severely damaged by spider mite infestations, as the mites suck the sap from the leaves, leading to reduced fruit yield and quality.
Ornamental Flowers and Shrubs: Roses, azaleas, and marigolds are just a few examples of flowering plants that spider mites find appealing. These ornamentals can be devastated by mites, as they feed on the undersides of leaves, causing discoloration, wilting, and eventual leaf drop.
Landscaping Plants: Common landscaping plants, such as junipers and arborvitae, are also susceptible to spider mite damage. Mites can cause extensive harm to these plants, as their feeding can lead to a bronze or scorched look on the foliage.
Causes of Spider Mite Infestations
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels: Since spider mites thrive in dry conditions, maintaining a higher humidity level can help prevent infestations. For indoor plants, this might mean regular misting or using a humidifier. For outdoor plants, consider strategic watering practices and mulching to retain soil moisture.
Poor Air Circulation: Stagnant air contributes to the proliferation of spider mites. Good air movement helps to keep these pests at bay, as they prefer still, undisturbed environments to settle and reproduce.
Over-fertilization: Excess nitrogen from over-fertilization can lead to lush, soft growth on plants, which is particularly appealing to spider mites. This tender new growth is easier for mites to penetrate and feed on.
Understanding the Environment that Spider Mites Thrive In
Spider mites are like tiny vampires of the plant world, thriving in environments where they can feed undisturbed. They prefer warm, dry conditions, which weaken plants and make them more vulnerable to infestation. These conditions also accelerate the mites' reproductive cycle, enabling them to multiply rapidly. By understanding these preferences, we can create conditions that are less inviting to them.
Preventing Spider Mite Infestations
Preventing spider mite infestations is far more manageable than dealing with a full-blown outbreak. Here are some strategies to keep these tiny pests at bay, both for indoor and outdoor plants.
Check Your Indoor and Outdoor Plants Regularly
Maintaining a regular schedule for inspecting your plants is like setting up a security system against these tiny invaders. Look for early signs of infestation we covered earlier, catching signs early means you can take action before the mites cause significant damage.
Introducing Lost Coast Plant Therapy
Our Natural Plant Wash comes in as a gentle yet effective solution, controlling the mites without harming your plants, pets, bees, praying mantis, ladybugs, or the planet!
Made with Natural and Organic Ingredients: Our Natural Plant Wash is a minimum risk pesticide, crafted from high-quality, natural and organic ingredients, ensuring it's gentle on your plants while being tough on pests. See a list of our Ingredients here.
Effective on Contact: The plant wash works by suffocating and dehydrating spider mites on contact. This means that the pests, unable to develop resistance to physical actions like suffocation, are effectively controlled. See How It Works here.
Safe for Use on a Variety of Plants: Whether you have ornamental flowers, fruits, or vegetables, our Natural Plant Wash can be safely used without the worry of damaging your plants when used as directed.
No Harmful Residues: One of the greatest benefits of our Natural Plant Wash is that it leaves no harmful residues on your plants. This is especially important for edible plants – you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor without the concern of chemical contamination.
Rapidly Biodegradable: Our product is not just effective, it's also environmentally responsible. We start with simple, pure and clean ingredients. Additionally it's designed to break down quickly, reducing any potential environmental impact.
How Our Product Fits into Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that combines different strategies and practices to manage pests in the most effective, economical, and environmentally friendly way.
Benefits of Using over Natural Plant Wash Over Chemical Pesticides
Safety for Plants and Soil: Our Natural Plant Wash is gentle on plants and doesn't leave harmful residues in the soil. This means your plants stay healthy and the soil remains fertile, maintaining a sustainable environment for future planting.
Environmental Protection: Chemical pesticides often contain ingredients that can harm beneficial insects, birds, and even aquatic life if they find their way into water bodies.
Healthier for You: By using our Natural Plant Wash, you minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals, which is especially important for those growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs for consumption.
Avoidance of Pesticide Resistance: Pests can develop resistance to chemical pesticides over time, rendering them ineffective.
How Our Plant Wash Works Against Spider Mites
Suffocation and Dehydration: The primary action of our Plant Wash is to suffocate and dehydrate spider mites, beginning the process upon contact. When applied, it coats the mites, disrupting their respiratory system and leading to suffocation. Additionally, the formulation dehydrates the pests, effectively controlling them from reproducing on your plants.
Natural and Organic Ingredients: Our product is made with organic, food-grade ingredients like non-gmo organic soy oil and peppermint essential oil. Soy oil acts as a coating agent, while peppermint oil serves as a natural repellent. Together, these ingredients create an unwelcoming environment for spider mites, repelling and controlling them without the use of harsh chemicals.
No Harmful Chemicals: Our Plant Wash is free from harsh chemicals, ensuring that beneficial insects, pets, and even humans are not at risk.
Biodegradable Formula: The eco-friendly nature of our product means it breaks down naturally, without leaving harmful residues in the soil or water.
Application Techniques for Maximum Effectiveness
Shake Well Before Use: Always shake the bottle well before measuring out the concentrate. This ensures all the ingredients are evenly mixed for optimal effectiveness.
Dilution: Dilute the concentrate according to the instructions on the label. This typically involves mixing a specified amount of our product with water.
Spraying Technique: Use a sprayer for application. Start by spraying the undersides of the leaves, as spider mites often reside there. Then, spray all parts of the plant, ensuring thorough coverage. Don’t forget the stem and any crevices where mites might hide.
Repeat Application: Repeated applications may be necessary. Identify your pest or disease, then follow the guidelines on the product label for the frequency of use.
Best Time to Apply: Apply the Plant Wash during cooler parts of the day to avoid any potential leaf burn and ensure maximum effectiveness. Air temperature and plant surface temperature should be below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
See more Instructions here.
Organic and Biodegradable Ingredients
By choosing Lost Coast Plant Therapy, you’re not just getting rid of spider mites, you’re embracing a method that cares for the bigger picture – the well-being of your plants, the safety of your surroundings, and the health of our planet. It’s a holistic approach to plant care that aligns with the principles of responsible and conscious gardening.
So, when you use our Natural Plant Wash, you can rest assured that you’re taking a step towards a greener, more sustainable future, keeping your garden thriving and pest-free in the most environmentally friendly way possible. We invite you to try a free sample and see how our product can make a positive difference in your garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spider mites can wreak havoc on both indoor and outdoor plants but, armed with the knowledge in this article a bottle on our Natural Plant Protector, you're now well-equipped to tackle these infestations head-on!
The key is early detection. Keep an eye out for the tell-tale signs of a spider mite problem, such as the fine webbing they create or the stippling on leaves. If you see spider mites on indoor plants or suspect your outdoor plants are more susceptible, take action promptly.
Understanding that spider mites live in colonies and can move quickly from one plant to another emphasizes the need for swift action. Whether you're dealing with the common spider mite or the more elusive twospotted spider mite, the approach remains the same. Regular monitoring, preventive measures, and applying our Natural Plant Protector as part of your integrated pest management strategy to keep your plants healthy and thriving!
FAQs
What do spider mites look like?
Spider mites are tiny, often requiring a magnifying glass to see clearly. They can appear as small moving dots, usually red, green, yellow, or brown. Their small size is deceptive compared to the damage they can cause.
How do I know if my plant is infected with spider mites?
An infected plant will show signs like stippling on leaves, yellowing or browning, and fine webbing, especially on the underside of leaves.
What's an effective way to get rid of spider mites?
An effective way to control spider mites is by using our Natural Plant Wash Concentrate. It suffocates and dehydrates mites on contact, without harming your plants.
Are spider mites only a problem for house plants?
No, spider mites affect both house plants and outdoor plants. They are a common issue in gardens, affecting a wide range of plant species.
Can I see spider mite eggs with the naked eye?
Spider mite eggs are very small and can be challenging to see without magnification. They are typically spherical and translucent.
What causes spider mite infestations?
Spider mites thrive in warm, dry environments. Over-fertilization and lack of natural predators can also contribute to infestations.
Do spider mites prefer certain plants?
Spider mites aren't particularly picky, but they are commonly found on plants with tender, lush leaves and in environments that meet their needs for warmth and low humidity.
How can I prevent spider mites?
Preventing spider mites involves maintaining proper humidity levels, ensuring good air circulation, and using natural predators. Regular monitoring and using our Natural Plant Protector as a preventive measure also help.
Can spider mites move from plant to plant?
Yes, spider mites can move between plants, especially if they are close to each other. Quarantining new plants and keeping infested plants away from others can help prevent the spread.
Are spider mites visible all year round?
Spider mites can be present throughout the year, especially in indoor environments. However, they are more active and reproduce faster in warm conditions.
Can spider mites cause long-term damage to plants?
Yes, if left unchecked, spider mites can cause significant stress to plants, leading to leaf loss, stunted growth, and in severe cases, plant death.
Is it safe to use the Natural Plant Wash on all types of plants?
Our Natural Plant Wash is designed to be safe for a wide range of plants when used as directed. However, it's always a good idea to test it on a small area first if you're unsure.
See more FAQ's here.
Additional Resources
Twospotted Spider Mites on Landscape Plants | NC State University
Twospotted spider mites in home gardens - University of Minnesota
Spider Mites - Virginia State University
Spider Mites SUCK! | Planet Natural
How to recognize and manage spider mites in the home garden - Oregon State University