The spider mite or Tetranychidae is a common North American arachnid that destroys both indoor and outdoor plants. They can be especially harmful to greenhouses.
Adult spider mites are a reddish-brown color and have oval-shaped bodies. They are a mere 1/50 inches long, making them hard to see with the human eye.
The tiny pests live in colonies on the underside of plant leaves and feed by piercing the leaf's tissue to suck up the juices of the plant. After feeding they leave their marks behind as little light-colored spots on the leaves. Eventually, plant leaves may even turn yellow and die from continued feeding.
Spider mites are most active during the hot and dry summer months, where there is no danger of being attacked by natural predators. Large infestations often go unnoticed until it's too late and is often identified by fine webbing. They thrive off of host plants like eggplants, melons, tomatoes, landscaping flowers, trees, and even houseplants.
Female mites can produce up to 300 eggs in just a couple of weeks. Mite eggs survive the winter In the leaves and bark of plants. Once spring arrives, the eggs hatch into tiny six-legged larvae that feed for 2 days before hunting for shelter to begin their first stage as a nymph. Nymphs emerge with 8 legs and will molt 2 additional times before emerging as an adult which can occur in less than a week.
Chemical sprays will attract Spider Mites and allow them to populate because they tend to resist the chemicals while their predators cannot. Natural solutions are a better alternative to controlling these pests.
Spider mites travel with the wind using their web, so it's important to contain any plants that have become infested and dispose of them quickly.
Prune back any leaves or stems that have been exposed to the mites and dispose of in a trash container with a lid.
Spray landscapes, trees, and gardens using a garden nozzle that shoots a strong blast of water to hose off any lingering pests.
Dirt attracts spider mites, so hose off leaves and plants with water a few times during the growing season to reduce the pests.
Beneficial bugs are your best friend because they will destroy spider mites and their eggs. Introduce ladybugs, green lacewing, and predatory mites into landscapes and gardens when the mites are at minimal levels.
