{"id":23554,"date":"2023-06-01T12:25:16","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T11:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/?p=23554"},"modified":"2025-01-06T14:27:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T14:27:37","slug":"spider-mites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/spider-mites\/","title":{"rendered":"Spider Mites: Prevention, Control, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

You might have noticed bright spots and little white webs on your plants \u2014 and the most likely cause are spider mites, which can quickly damage your beloved plants. <\/p>

Spider mites are tiny little pests that hide underneath your plant\u2019s leaves. So, there\u2019s easy to miss if you\u2019re not looking for them. <\/p>

This article is about how to identify spider mites, then how to control their spread and treat plants damaged by these prolific little beasts. <\/p>

Ready? Let’s go! <\/p>

Spider Mites 101<\/h2>

Spider mites are tiny pests frequently found in the garden and on your houseplants. They’re around 0.2-0.5mm in size and hide on the underside of leaves, making them tricky to spot. <\/p>

You\u2019re more likely to notice a spider mite infestation by the failing condition of your plant\u2019s leaves \u2014 most notably with the appearance of white or yellow spots. <\/p>

The maw of the spider mite causes these spots as it sinks its teeth into the leaf to absorb sap. And in the case of a severe infestation, the leaves may even turn yellow and drop off. <\/p>

And despite their short lifespan, spider mites multiply rapidly. The larvae develop into reproductive adults within six to fifteen days, making fighting a spider mite infestation a significant challenge. In the right conditions, a female spider mite lays up to one hundred eggs, which hatch within three days. <\/p>

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\n\t\t\t\tIn a warm greenhouse or sunny windowsill, spider mites can multiply all year round.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

How to identify spider mites<\/h2>
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Spider mites are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. \u2013 Photo\u00a0by Compo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Spider mites are often overlooked because they\u2019re so tiny. So, you\u2019re more likely to identify their presence by the little webs and the leaf damage as described earlier. <\/p>

However, not all spider mites spin webs, which makes it even more challenging to identify them! <\/p>

Look out for small leaf spots, occuring throughout the year on houseplants or greenhouses. <\/p>

Under a microscope, spider mites are a pale green colour with black abdominal walls. They look more like tiny green ants than spiders and are almost invisible to the human eye. <\/p>

When are spider mites most active?<\/h2>

Generally, spider mites are most active during the summer, from mid-May. However, they can remain active all year round in warm, dry greenhouses or your home, which is likely to be warm enough for them to thrive. <\/p>

Spider mites enjoy heated rooms, so anywhere around the house can be welcoming for these microscopic critters!<\/p>

How to identify spider mite spots!<\/h2>
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If your plants already have bronze spots, the mite infestation is already well advanced.<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Spider mites feed on the leaf cells of your plants, sucking the sugary sap your plant produces as a result of photosynthesis. Of course, your plant produces this sap to feed itself, so spider mites are a particularly damaging parasite. <\/p>

The suction points become slightly silvery as the plant attempts to heal itself, eventually turning into light grey or bronze-coloured spots. While this is unsightly, it also increases your plants’ susceptibility to other pests and diseases \u2014 eventually, affected leaves just die and drop off. <\/p>

Spider mites release poisonous saliva as they feed, which damages the plant while potentially transmitting harmful plant viruses. <\/p>

Frequently infested plants<\/h2>

Typically, spider mites infest plants that are already weakened in some way. However, healthy plants are also susceptible. <\/p>

The most frequently infested plants are:<\/p>

Garden plants<\/h3>
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The delicate mite webs \u2013 Photo by\u00a0Flora Press\/Thomas Lohrer<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

While spider mites will infest most plants, they\u2019re particularly keen on:<\/p>