Oh no, spider mites again! Those terrible pests...
But don't worry, because today we'll talk about how to identify, treat, and prevent spider mites.
How to Identify Spider Mites
The first step is to carefully examine your plant's leaves, especially the underside. Spider mites are tiny red, orange, or black dots. Interestingly, they start out transparent and only turn red or orange after eating and absorbing carotenoids from the plant.
You might need a magnifying glass to see them, but if the infestation is severe, you can spot them with the naked eye.
Look for these signs on your plant:
- Dots and Stippling: You will see tiny yellow dots or spots on the leaves, which are the marks left by mites as they feed.
- Yellowing leaves: As the infestation grows, leaves will begin to turn yellow and eventually fall off.
- Webs: Since they are arachnids, they spin tiny, fine webs, often visible on the underside of leaves or between branches.
If your plant shows these signs, check the underside of the leaves for those tiny dots. If you find them, you likely have spider mites.
Prevention: The Best Cure
Prevention is always better than treatment, especially with spider mites. If you are reading this post, your plant probably already has them, but after treating it, you'll want to stop them from coming back.
The main cause of spider mite infestations is dryness. Many sources blame overwatering or high humidity, but in my experience, lack of humidity and dry conditions are the main culprits. My plants get spider mites every year simply because I forget to water them, and they dry out.
To prevent them, try to keep your plants in a humid environment. You can also give them a regular "shower" if they are indoor plants, or use a hose to wash them down if they are outside. This brings us to the first treatment method.
Treating Spider Mites: Products and Methods
1. Mechanical Removal (Washing)
For a severely infested plant, the simplest first step is to wash the mites away. Take your plant outside and spray it down thoroughly with a hose. This physically removes the mites from the plant.
2. Chemical vs. Organic Treatments
- Chemical/Synthetic Pesticides: Be careful with these. Most insecticides, like pyrethrum, won't work because they are designed to target insects, not arachnids. You need a specific miticide. Look for a product labeled "miticide" or "insecticide-miticide".
- Biological/Organic Treatments: I prefer these methods.
My Recommended Treatments
| Treatment Type | Product | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Water wash | Immediately reduces population; no chemicals needed | Mites may return; not a complete cure |
| Organic | Neem Oil | Very effective; acts on contact and as a repellent; safe for beneficial insects | Must be applied thoroughly and may require multiple treatments |
| Organic | Soft Soap | Can weaken a large population; easy to apply | Not a strong cure; requires repeated applications; can be messy |
| Organic | Nettle Tea | A natural repellent; can keep pests away | Less potent than other treatments; better for prevention |
| Biological | Predatory Mites | Natural predators that eat spider mites; harmless to your plants | Can be expensive; require a significant infestation to sustain a population |
The Power of Nature: Beneficial Insects
I only use neem oil on my small, precious plants. For my larger outdoor plants, I often let nature take its course. If you improve the environmental conditions (for example, by giving your plant a good shower), you'll often find that beneficial insects will arrive to help you.
Predatory mites, also known as 'Phytoseiids', are a great example. You can even buy them for commercial greenhouses, but they often appear naturally in your garden or on your balcony. These helpful mites prey on harmful spider mites. By not over-treating your plants with strong pesticides, you allow these natural predators to thrive and keep the pest population in check.
My Strategy in Summary
- Environmental Remedies: Tackle the root cause by improving humidity and ensuring your plant isn't too dry.
- Wash and Wait: For outdoor plants, give them a good rinse. This might be enough. Wait and see if natural predators appear.
- Targeted Treatment: If the problem persists, use a potent but safe treatment like neem oil. Apply it thoroughly, making sure to cover the undersides of all leaves. A couple of treatments should be enough to solve the problem.
I hope these tips help you out, and...
Good luck!
