How To Identify and Get Rid of Spider Mites

Spider mites might be tiny, but their impact on your plants can be enormous. These microscopic pests can quickly turn a thriving garden into a wilted patch of greenery. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and approach, you can identify spider mites and get rid of them before they cause serious damage. Learn more about spider mite treatment and how to fix the problem at its source.

What Are Spider Mites?

Spider mites are microscopic arachnids that belong to the Tetranychidae family. Despite their name, they’re not actually spiders (though they are closely related). These tiny pests measure less than 1/50th of an inch, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye. You’ll typically need a magnifying glass to see them clearly.

How Do Spider Mites Spread?

These pests thrive in warm, dry conditions and can reproduce rapidly. A female spider mite can lay up to 20 eggs per day, and under certain conditions, these eggs can hatch in just a few days. Due to this rapid reproduction cycle, a seemingly small problem can quickly become a major infestation. In addition to normal reproduction, spider mites can spread through the following means:

• Wind—Wind is one of the main ways spider mites spread. These lightweight pests can be carried considerable distances by air currents.
• Contaminated Items—If you work in an infested area and then move to a clean area without properly cleaning your clothing or tools, you might inadvertently spread spider mites.
• New Plants—Thinking about buying new plants? Always quarantine them for at least two weeks and inspect them for pests before introducing them to the rest of your garden.

Spider Mites Cause Extensive Damage

Spider mites can cause significant cosmetic issues, but the extent of their damage goes beyond that. Spider mite infestation can lead to stunted plant growth, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to other diseases and pests. Home gardeners may lose entire seasons of vegetables or see prized decorative plants permanently damaged. What’s more, the stress caused by spider mite feeding can make plants more vulnerable to extreme environments, like drought or temperature fluctuations.

Recognize the Signs of Spider Mite Infestation

Even in the best of circumstances, spider mites can spread. Look for these signs of infestation in your home and call for professional help right away:

• Visible Webbing—Spider mites leave silky webs on leaves and branches, which are most visible under the morning dew.
• Speckling—Do your plants have yellow or white dots on their leaves? This could mean spider mites are present. After the initial speckling, discoloration can progress to the rest of the leaf.
• Dropping Leaves—Advanced infestations may cause enough damage to the leaves that they start to drop off.
• Unhealthy Plants—As infestations progress, your plants might start to become noticeably unhealthy, even with proper care. Look for wilting or stunted growth.

How Do I Get Rid of Spider Mites?

Many homeowners can recognize the signs of an infestation, but few know how to exterminate spider mites. This is because pest control is best left to the professionals. While you can try a few at-home methods, your best bet is always talking to the experts. Here are some natural and chemical methods the professionals may use:

• Water Spray Treatment—This natural remedy for spider mites is often the first line of defense. Use a strong stream of water to physically remove the mites from plants.
• Insecticidal Soap—Some infestations can be controlled with special insecticidal soap. Apply the solution to the entire plant surface to ensure all the mites are destroyed.
• Chemicals to Kill Spider Mites—When natural methods aren’t sufficient, chemical treatments may be necessary. Miticides are specifically designed to target mites and are often more effective than general insecticides. If you choose to purchase your own, follow the instructions clearly to avoid further damage and health concerns.

How To Prevent Spider Mite Infestations

Knowing how to get rid of spider mites is one thing, but prevention is always the best approach. Reputable pest control experts will be able to give you specific tips to keep mites from re-infesting your home. Every situation is different, but these general tips should help you avoid a garden full of spider mites:

• Watch the Humidity—Spider mites tend to prefer dry conditions, so keeping humidity levels up is a good idea. Regular misting or using humidifiers for indoor plants can help create an environment less favorable to mites.
• Inspect Your Plants—Regular plant inspection should become part of your routine. Check plants weekly and pay special attention to the undersides of leaves. If you notice discoloration, consider calling a professional.
• Encourage Beneficial Insects—Plant several kinds of flowering plants and avoid broad-spectrum insecticides to encourage beneficial insects to live in your garden.
• Keeping Your Plants Healthy—Maintaining a healthy garden is one of the best ways to keep spider mites at bay. Proper watering, fertilization, and pruning are always your friend.

Your Partner in Pest Control

Instead of searching high and low for a chemical to kill spider mites, look to the team at Apex Pest Control. Our experienced team uses tried-and-true pest management approaches that prioritize your safety and that of your family and pets. Don’t let spider mites destroy your plants and hard work! Contact our Sacramento, CA team today.