How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites On Plants

One of the questions I am asked most often is “How to get rid of spider mites on plants”. But, we need to back up a tad to discuss what they are, how to identify them, and how to keep them at bay.

THEN we can cover how to get rid of spider mites better.

Every year for the last 3-4 years I have lost almost every cucumber plant I have ever planted to spider mites. I have tried several varieties from bush to vining, and from heirloom to resistant.

My cukes start out great and then they start waning and I find spider mites. They are a force to be reckoned with – but they can be controlled and there are great ways to treat for them, as well.

I decided I had to fix this issue and so far, so good, so let’s talk about Spider mites.

Most of the time, the smallest creatures can cause the biggest damage in a garden. Today, we’ll be talking about spider mites, their effect on your plants, and how you can effectively deal with them. Let’s get started!

Fast Facts About Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that originated from Eurasia but can now be found across all tropical and temperate regions. They generally live on the undersides of plant leaves, where they may spin protective silk webs.

They can typically cause damage by puncturing the plant cells and sucking the sap to eat. Spider mites are known to feed on several hundred species of plants including:

• cucumbers
• roses
• potatoes
• tomatoes
• melons
• peppers
• eggplants
• most beans
• chickpeas
• cherries
• apples
• stone fruits
• grasses
• and most annual flowers

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Identifying Spider Mites

Spider mites are less than 1 mm (0.04 in) in size and vary in color. They lay small, spherical, initially transparent eggs and many species spin silk webbing to help protect the colony from predators; they get the “spider” part of their common name from this webbing.

Spider mite infestations are particularly common during hot, dry summer weather.

Signs of a Spider Mite Infestation

Much like other pests, spider mites can leave traces that will allow you to detect their presence. Here are some signs that will clue you in if there’s an infestation in your garden:

• There are tiny white or yellow spots called stippling on the leaves and needles of your plants.
• Your plants look discolored with a yellow or bronze tinge
• There is fine webbing on the underside of leaves
• Flowers and leaves may get distorted particularly in azaleas
• Plants may start to die if the infestation is severe.

If you notice these signs and want to be sure of what you’re dealing with, you can hold a sheet of white paper under the leaves of your plants and shake them. If you see tiny, spider-like creatures drop down, then you have yourself a spider mite infestation.

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How to Treat & Control Spider Mites in Your Garden

Spider mites may be destructive to a garden but that doesn’t mean you can’t control them. But don’t take out that bottle of insecticide just yet.

These chemicals are known for killing beneficial insects that may help you in removing them from your garden.

Plus, certain spider mites are resistant to pesticides and may aggravate your problem further.

Here are some better ways to get treat and control these pests in your garden:

1. Prune leaves, stems, and other infected parts of plants. Be sure to go past any webbing you see. You may have to pull entire plants to prevent mites from spreading.
2. Wash plants with a strong stream of water to reduce pest populations.
3. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewing, and predatory mites. Be sure to release them in your garden beds when pest levels are at a low or medium population.
4. Use 100% cold pressed neem oil mixed with soap and water to spray your plants including the underside of the leaves to kill eggs and interrupt their reproductive cycle.
5. Make sure your plants are not under stress to discourage spider mite infestations. Water your plants properly and conserve moisture through proper mulching.
6. Regularly clean indoor plants. Dust attracts spider mites so be sure to remove any dust from the leaves of potted plants at least once a week. Use a moistened towel and wipe away any traces of dust.

A spider mite infestation doesn’t have to be the end of your garden. With the right tricks, you can treat for spider mites and control them and your plants will be happier for it.

Now that you know how to get rid of spider mites on plants, do you have more tips about spider mites? Don’t forget to share them in the comments below!

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