Spider mites on houseplants and outdoor plants are a common problem. Spider mite damage can not only make a plant look unsightly, it can even kill the plant. It is important to use a spider mite treatment as soon as possible on an affected plant in order to keep the plant looking its best and healthiest. Keep reading to learn more about how to identify and kill spider mites.
Identifying Spider Mites on Houseplants and Outdoor Plants
Initially, spider mite damage will appear as small yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. If the plant is badly infested, the plant's health will suffer, it may develop completely yellow leaves and it may stop growing. Spider mite damage may also include a telltale spider web type webbing on the plant. Spider mites are arachnids and are related to spiders.
They produce webs in order to protect themselves and their eggs. It is very difficult to see spider mites on houseplants and outdoor plants with the naked eye because they are so small, but if you suspect that your plant has spider mites, you can hold a piece of paper under the leaves of the plant and shake them gently. If it is spider mites, specks will fall on the paper that looks similar to pepper.
Effective Spider Mite Treatment to Kill Spider Mites
One natural spider mite remedy is to simply spray down the plant with a nozzled hose. The force of the stream of water is enough to knock most of the spider mites off of the plant. Another natural spider mite remedy is to release natural predators of spider mites around the plants. These can include:
- Ladybugs
- Lacewing
- Minute pirate bugs
- Spider mite destroyers (actual name of insect)
- Predatory thrips
- Predatory mites
- Big-eyed bugs
Another effective spider mite treatment is to use insecticidal oil, like neem oil, horticultural oil, or dormant oil. You can also try using a miticide, as this will kill them. You should not try to use a common pesticide for spider mite treatment as they are resistant to pesticides. Using a pesticide will only kill off the beneficial bugs that eat spider mites, which will only make the spider mite infestation worse.
Spider mites on houseplants and garden plants are annoying and unsightly, but you do not have to let spider mite damage kill your plants. Knowing what spider mite treatment works means that you can kill spider mites quickly and easily.
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