![]() ![]() This also removes dust from the leaves, a favorite hiding spot for mites. Make sure to get the undersides of the leaves. Use a nozzle attached to a garden hose and create a gentle water spray to dislodge webbing and as many insects as possible. (See below for more on how to identify spider mites and the damage they cause.) Spray with water: Take these steps if you think any of your plants are affected. Organic methods are safest for people, pets and plants. It’s important to identify spider mites on plants early on to avoid an all-out infestation, which is harder to control. The resulting exponential population growth can cause a serious infestation in a matter of days or weeks. Spider mites reproduce quickly, with each female laying hundreds of eggs. This can weaken plants, making them susceptible to disease and other problems. When the weather warms in spring, spider mites emerge to feast on plants. There are many different types, occurring in colors of red, green, yellow, or brown, with the most common being the two-spotted spider mite and red spider mite. These tick-like bugs are considered arachnids (related to spiders) rather than insects because of their eight legs. Spider mites ( Tetranychus urticae) are among the most common garden pests and are smaller than the head of a pin, making it hard to identify them. It’s even more challenging when they are difficult to spot. Photo by: Catherine Eckert / Shutterstockĭealing with predatory insects and other pests is one of the least favorite tasks for most gardeners.
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