How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites: Expert Advice

 

Spider mites are a common problem for both indoor and outdoor plants. One of the sad facts is that they can quickly multiply and spread to other plants. This can lead to more damage and potential plant death which can turn your gardening journey into a stressful and frustrating experience.


But that doesn't mean they're impossible to get rid of. In this guide, we'll look at effective ways to prevent and control them. So, if you're facing a spider mite infestation, do not despair.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links with no extra cost to you. Learn more.


    HOW TO TELL IF YOUR PLANTS HAVE SPIDER MITES 

    The first step to getting rid of spider mites is to identify them. According to studies, there are more than 1000 species of spider mites worldwide. They all have different colors, from green, yellow, etc. But the most common types that affect plants are red spider mites and two-spotted spider mites.


    But in reality, a color is not a reliable way to identify them. Their key feature or telltale sign is fine webbing on plants. They can also be easily identified by eight legs and their pair of large mouthparts relative to their size. 


    Use a magnifying glass to search for them

    These pesky pests are silent killers. You may not notice them until they've already caused damage. They're so tiny that they're so easily mistaken for dirt on a plant. To add another straw to the camel's back, they often hide the underside of the leaves, which makes it even more difficult to spot them. 


    So even though they're technically visible to the human eye, using a magnifying glass can be helpful when inspecting your plants. It can provide a clear and detailed view of the leaves of plants which can help you to identify the specific type of pest more accurately. 

     

    PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES

    Here are the most common and effective methods for preventing and controlling spider mites:

    Apply Natural Derived Sprays

    To get rid of existing spider mite populations, I recommend using organic sprays like insecticidal soap and horticultural oils. Beyond their effectiveness, they're safer for you, your family, and the environment. When using these sprays make sure to spray both the top and undersides of leaves.


    INSECTICIDAL SOAP: Insecticidal soap is an effective method to keep your plants free from spider mites and other soft-bodied pests like aphids. Do not just use any soap that is not designed for use as an insecticide as it can be too harsh for plants.  Insecticidal soap is usually available in ready-to-use spray bottles.


    Moreover, when shopping for insecticidal soap, it's very important to read the label carefully to make sure you're getting the right product for your needs. Some insecticidal soaps are designed for outdoor use only, while others can be used both indoors and outdoors.


    HORTICULTURAL OILS: There are many different types of horticultural oils on the market. One of the most popular is Bonide All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil. It is a great choice for controlling spider mites and other pests. It is designed for use both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, it does not only kill spider mites, but it can also be used as a preventative measure to keep pests from causing damage to a variety of plants including fruit trees, vegetables, and houseplants.


    Use a Humidifier

    Apart from giving you extra moisture, a humidifier is also a great tool for getting rid of spider mites. It adds moisture to the air, creating a less favorable environment for spider mites since they thrive in hot, dry weather. So by using a humidifier, you can make your plants less hospitable to spider mites. Try to use a humidifier that has adjustable settings so that you can be able to control the humidity levels.


    Try Diatomaceous Earth

    Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring substance that's been used for centuries to get rid of different types of pests. It works by dehydrating pests including spider mites. It can be applied on leaves, stems, or directly to the soil. If you're looking to purchase diatomaceous earth, be sure to get food-grade diatomaceous earth, not filter grade which is used for industrial purposes.


    Hose Them Down

    If you're unable to buy insecticides, hosing may be a worth try. You can blast those pesky pests with a strong stream of water from a hose or a spray bottle. This will wash them and other pests away. Try to repeat this process every few days until the spider mites are gone. If you have plants with tender leaves you can try wiping them with a damp cloth. 


    Pruning

    If you have leaves that are heavily infested with spider mites, the best option is to prune them. This will help to control and reduce the population of spider mites. However, it's important to note that pruning is not a foolproof method so you'll need to combine it with other measures such as insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to get optimum results.


    Practice isolation

    If you have a lot of plants, try isolating the ones you suspect may be infected. This will prevent spider mites from spreading. Once you've isolated infected plants, treat them with any of the solutions we mentioned above, like horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Then regularly inspect the healthy ones for any signs of spider mites.


    Regularly Check Your Plants

    Prevention is better than cure. It's important to regularly check your plants for signs of spider mites, and other pests and diseases even if you don't think your plants have a problem. A quick inspection twice a week can help you notice any potential problem early on before serious damage is caused. Then if you spot spider mites, you can implement the above-mentioned strategies to save your plants.

    To Wrap Up

    Whether you're trying to prevent spider mites or you're dealing with an infestation, this guide can help you keep them under control. And with the right combination of prevention and control, you can absolutely keep your plants healthy and happy.


    At last, let's work together to make our gardens spider-mite-free by sharing this post with any fellow plant lovers who might be dealing with the dreaded spider mite.


    Happy Gardening !!


    RELATED

    How to Get Rid of Aphids

    How to Get Rid of Gnats 

    3 Common White Bugs on Plants And How to Get Rid of Them.


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