How to Get Rid of Spider Mites
About Spider Mites
Spider mites are one of the most common types of pests that disease indoor and outdoor plants. Once they infiltrate, they can be quite destructive to your entire green space. Being a part of the Tetranychidae family, their bodies resemble some of their relative’s of spiders, ticks, and scorpions. Spider mites are smaller in size with their oval-shaped bodies and spider-like features. This guide will walk you through all of the ways to get rid of spider mites for good.
What do Spider Mites Look Like?
Spider mites vary in size ranging from 0.01 cm to 0.05 cm. Depending on the time of year, spider mites can change colors from red, brown, orange, and black. It is extremely difficult to see spider mites without assistance from magnifying tools. The only way you find out you have an infestation is by their webs. It’s critical to identify these issues early because they suck the chlorophyll from the leaves leaving unwanted white spots. Long exposure to spider mite torture will result in yellowing, browning, and even death of the plant. You may see the following warning signs for a potential spider mite infestation.
Early Signs of Spider Mite Invasion
Holes in leaves paired with yellow, white, and cream colored patches across your plant leaves is the first warning signal of a spider mite infestation.
Wilting and yellowing leaves, the spider mites are beginning to kill your plant. Keep in mind that yellowing leaves can be an inclination of other issues such as humidity, temperature, and watering.
Curling brown leaves: the leaves will begin to curl upward. It may be time to pull out a microscope and look for unwanted pests.
Falling leaves: leaves will begin to drop off of the plant. This can be confused with other issues, but it may be a signal of a spider mite infestation.
Cotton-like webs on the stems and leaves is a huge sign that you are dealing with a hefty spider mite infiltration.
Seeing eggs and live spider mites: spider mites vary in color ranging from red, brown, orange, and green. Their eggs are embedded into their webbing that hatch thousands of spider mites and look like tiny translucent eggs.
Seeing spider mite poop: you may see black, brown, and white round poop particles on the leaves.
Leaves have a sand-like texture.
Lots of ladybugs (natural predators of spider mites) around gardens and indoor plants.
Ways to Get Rid of Spider Mites
Getting rid of spider mites can be quite tedious. Follow these steps to get rid of spider mites for good. If the infestation comes back, complete the steps all over again. Always use protective equipment when dealing with chemicals or pests.
The Dish Soap Method
First start out with removing any leaves that are completely covered in spider mite webbing or any yellowing leaves. Spider mites travel fast so it’s best to get rid of the concentrated infestation. Grab your spray bottle and mix together dish soap, water, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Spray the plant with the solution and use cotton swabs or paper towels to carefully wipe down each of the leaves. Repeat the processes every 3-4 days for 2-3 weeks until infestation signs & symptoms completely go away.
The Rubbing Alcohol Method
Remove dead and yellowing leaves or any concentrated spider mite webbing. Grab a spray bottle and mix 1 part 70-90% rubbing alcohol with 1 part water. Use cotton swabs or q-tips and spray the mixture onto the infected areas. Wipe all of the leaves and stems thoroughly and gently. Make sure to spray both the top of each leaf and under each leaf. Repeat the processes every 4-5 days for a few weeks.
WARNING: some pesticides are known to be toxic if ingested, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. It may cause moderate eye or skin irritation. Always read labels of the products you are using the proper safety equipment.
The Insecticide Method
If you had no success with the first two methods and are still struggling with spider mite infestations, it may be time to use some chemicals. There are many insecticides on the market meant for the treatment of spider mites.
Preventing Spider Mites
Generally, spider mites travel through the wind. Even if you are the bestest of plant parents, you are still vulnerable to spider mites. The best thing to do is keep a close eye on all your plants for potential warning signs for a spider mite invasion. If you see a spider mite infestation, seclude the infected plant from the others until treatment is completed to prevent transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Spider mites can travel fast from leaf and leaf and plant to plant. Its very important to catch a spider mite infestation early before it causes detrimental health issues to your plants.
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Especially in the summertime, one spider mite lays around 100 eggs in their lifetime. If you have a bad infestation, you could be looking at thousands of spider mite eggs per day.
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Yes, spider mites have the capabilities to bite humans and dogs. It's unlikely that it will happen, but always be mindful about using protective equipment when treating spider mite infestations.