How to Recognize and Manage Spider Mites in the Home Garden

Spider mites are pests found in plants and prefer the undersides of leaves. What do spider mites look like? Spider mites resemble tiny white, red, tan, or black spiders. Spider mites are only about 1 mm long, making them difficult to detect on plants. They feed on stressed plants and produce webbing as protection. Controlling these insects can be tricky, but several strategies can be used to reduce their population. These include plant health improvements, spider mite removal strategies, and the use of beneficial insects. In addition, there are safe chemical treatments that can be used on plants.

Plant-Based Insecticides 

Several plant-based insecticides are effective against two-spotted spider mites, including neem oil. Applied to plants, these products kill off mite eggs and leave behind an oily residue that suffocates the mites. However, it is important to follow the directions carefully because some plants can be sensitive to certain pesticides.

Natural plant extracts such as garlic, clove, rosemary, and cinnamon can be applied to the affected plants to control two-spotted spider mites. However, these products may adversely affect plants stressed by water or heat. Therefore, it is recommended that you wait for cool weather to apply these products to your plants.

Two-spotted spider mites are a common pest in home gardens and are often resistant to insecticides. These mites can destroy entire plants, including fruit trees and vegetables. They also damage the surrounding soil. To get rid of spider mites, you must treat the affected plants regularly. It will prevent future infestations.

Predatory Insects 

Several predatory insects feed on spider mites, including ladybird beetles and minute pirate bugs. These creatures are not harmful to humans but can help control spider mite populations. These insects can also be purchased from commercial operations. These insects feed on all mite’s life cycle stages, including the larval stage.

Ladybugs are one of the most effective predators of spider mites in the home garden. They are oval and black and attracted to spider mites’ volatile chemical signals. They are attracted to yellowing leaves and can eat up to nine mites in an hour. A ladybug can consume up to 5,000 mites during its lifetime.

Spider mites are easy to control when caught early. It’s best to scout the garden regularly and destroy affected parts. Spraying plants with high-pressure water can also eliminate the mites. However, this method should not be used on young or delicate plants. It’s also recommended to increase the humidity around plants to encourage predatory insects to feed on the mites.

Misting Houseplants 

Misting houseplants is one way to control spider mites. It helps to keep the humidity level up, which is a major factor in preventing spider mites. If you live in a dry house, you may want to invest in an indoor humidity monitor. Also, trimming off heavily-infested leaves and eggs can help prevent the spread of these pests.

Spider mites can be difficult to spot. Their tiny bodies are usually covered in webbing and are difficult to see. If you suspect a plant has spider mites, take a magnifying glass to the plant and examine it carefully. Spider mites attack weak plants that lack adequate sunlight and healthy soil. You can also check for damage to plants using a handheld Bluetooth microscope.

Adding a humidifier is also a great way to keep spider mites from attacking houseplants. Spider mites like a dry environment, so placing a humidifier near the plant can help keep them from laying eggs and damaging it. In addition, you can purchase beneficial insects that will feed on spider mites.

Treatment Options 

Several treatment options exist for a spider mite infestation in a home garden. First of all, the affected plants need proper watering and fertilization. The environment should also be free of dusty conditions that favor mites. It is particularly important to keep plants well watered during a dry spell—the better the humidity, the fewer spider mites you will find on your plants.

A variety of natural products can be used as a treatment. Neem oil, for example, is very effective against spider mites. However, for this method to be effective, you must mix the oil with warm water and a surfactant. A common surfactant to use is dishwashing soap. This solution should be applied to the plants at least once every ten days.