How to Get Rid of Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause a lot of damage to your plants. They suck the sap from leaves, which can lead to reduced growth, discoloration, and even death. If you have a garden, it is crucial to know how to get rid of spider mites before they can do too much damage.
Dealing with spider mites can be a huge pain, but you can get rid of them before they cause too much damage with the right information. On this page, we will discuss how to identify spider mites and some key methods for getting rid of them.
WHAT ARE SPIDER MITES?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are one of the most common bugs that can infest plants. These tiny creatures are less than 0.25 inches long, and they have a reddish-brown body with eight legs. They thrive in warm weather conditions, and they can quickly damage plants by sucking the sap from leaves.
Spider mites reproduce quite speedily, and a small population can quickly turn into a large infestation. If you see evidence of spider mites on your plants, it is important to take action right away.
WHERE DO SPIDER MITES COME FROM?
Spider mites can come from a variety of places. They can be carried in by the wind, or they can hitch a ride on clothing, tools, or animals. They can also be transferred to plants through contact with infected plants or soil.
Spider mites can also come from greenhouse plants. If you have a greenhouse, be sure to check your plants for spider mites regularly and take action if necessary.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A SPIDER MITE INFESTATION
Spider mites are very small, so they can be difficult to see with the naked eye. Their populations multiply quickly, so if you suspect that you have an infestation, there are a few things you can do:
Inspect plants
Look for tiny red or yellow dots on the leaves of your plants. These are the spider mites themselves, and they will increase in number as the infestation grows.
Check webs
Spider mites often build webs on the undersides of leaves. If you see any evidence of webbing, there is a good chance that you have a spider mite infestation.
Check for eggs
Spider mites lay tiny, spherical eggs on the leaves of plants. If you see any eggs, you know that there is an active infestation.
HOW TO GET RID OF SPIDER MITES NATURALLY
There are a few different ways to get rid of spider mites naturally. Here are a few methods that you can try:
WATERING
Spider mites prefer dry conditions, so regularly watering your plants can help to discourage them from infesting your plants.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS
There are a few different types of biological controls that can be used to get rid of spider mites. These include predators such as ladybugs and lacewings and parasites such as nematodes.
To encourage these predators and parasites to visit your garden, you can plant flowers that attract them. Some good choices include daisy, cosmos, calendula, and asters.
Be patient if you are using predators or parasites to control your spider mite infestation. It may take a while for the population to get under control.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are a natural way to control spider mites. Some good essential oils to use include peppermint, rosemary, lavender, and thyme.
To use essential oils, you will need to mix them with water and spray them on the leaves of your plants. Make sure to read the instructions carefully, as too much essential oil can damage your plants.
OTHER HOME REMEDIES
There are a few other home remedies that you can try to get rid of spider mites. Here are a few of them:
- Soap and water. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water and spray it on the leaves of your plants. The soap will kill the spider mites.
- Alcohol. Spray rubbing alcohol on the leaves of your plants to kill the spider mites.
- White vinegar. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it on the leaves of your plants. The vinegar will kill the spider mites.
These are just a few of the methods that you can use to get rid of spider mites naturally. Be sure to try a few different methods to see which one works best for you. If none of these methods work, you may need to resort to using chemical pesticides.
HOW TO GET RID OF SPIDER MITES CHEMICALLY
If you are unable to get rid of spider mites naturally, you may need to resort to using chemical pesticides. There are a few different types of pesticides that can be used to control spider mites:
INSECTICIDES
Insecticides are chemicals that kill insects. They are effective against spider mites but should only be used as a last resort.
There are a few different types of insecticides that can be used to get rid of spider mites:
- Pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are a type of insecticide that is made from chrysanthemums. It is effective against a wide range of pests, including spider mites.
- Pyrethroids. Pyrethroids are a type of insecticide that is made from synthetic chemicals. They are also effective against a wide range of pests, including spider mites.
- Carbamates. Carbamates are a type of insecticide that is made from carbon. They are effective against spider mites but can be harmful to humans and animals.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow the safety precautions.
HORTICULTURAL OIL
Horticultural oil is a type of pesticide that is made from plant oils. It is effective against a wide variety of pests, including spider mites.
To use horticultural oil, you will need to mix it with water and spray it on the leaves of your plants. Make sure that you read the instructions carefully, as too much horticultural oil can damage your plants.
Horticultural oil is available at most garden stores.
INSECTICIDAL SOAP
Insecticidal soap is a contact killer, which means that it kills the spider mites when they come into contact with it. It is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly option, and it can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants.
To use insecticidal soap, mix two tablespoons of the soap with one gallon of water. Then, spray the solution directly onto the spider mites. Avoid getting the solution on your plants’ leaves, as it can damage them.
Insecticidal soap is a good option for small gardens, but it may not be effective against large infestations.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can be used to kill spider mites. It works by puncturing the shells of the mites, which leads to their dehydration and death.
You can buy diatomaceous earth from most garden stores, or you can make your own by grinding up old shells or fossils. Then, simply sprinkle the powder on affected plants, and repeat as needed.
When to call pest removal professionals?
If any of the above techniques seem overwhelming, too time-consuming, or you simply don’t think you can do it correctly, call pest removal professionals to take care of the job for you.
How Can I Prevent Spider Mites?
There are a few things that you can do to prevent spider mites from infesting your plants:
- Wipe plant leaves regularly. Wiping the leaves of your plants with a damp cloth can help remove any spider mites that may be present.
- Remove weeds. Weeds are a common host for spider mites, so removing them will help reduce the risk of an infestation.
- Avoid over-watering your plants. Over-watering can create favorable conditions for spider mites, so make sure to water your plants sparingly.
- Introduce natural predators. A few different types of insects can help control the population of spider mites, including ladybugs and lacewings. You can buy them online or from garden stores.
If you follow these tips, you can help reduce the risk of a spider mite infestation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1
What types of plants do spider mites like?
Spider mites prefer to feed on plants that are low in nitrogen, such as tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. They can also be found on other types of plants, including flowers, shrubs, and trees.
2
How do I know if my plant has spider mites?
The best way to determine if your plant has spider mites is to look for evidence of webbing on the leaves. You may also see tiny, red dots on the leaves, which are the eggs and larvae of the spider mites.
If you suspect that your plant has spider mites, bring a sample to your local garden store for identification.
3
What should I do if my plant has spider mites?
If you have a plant that is infested with spider mites, there are a few things that you can do:
- Remove the plant from your home - If the plant is too large to move, you can try spraying it with an insecticide. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as some products can be harmful to plants.
- Isolate the plant - If you can't remove the plant or if it is too large to treat, you can try isolating it from other plants. This will help minimize the damage that the spider mites can do.
4
How long does it take for spider mites to die?
Spider mites will start dying within minutes of contact with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth. It may take a few days for them to die completely, but you should see a significant reduction in their numbers.
Keeping your plants free of spider mites is vital for their health and well-being. There are a few different ways that you can get rid of spider mites, including using pesticides, introducing natural predators, or calling professionals. Make sure to read the instructions carefully when using any materials you are unfamiliar with and follow the safety precautions.