What are Spider mites?

Spider mites- Tetranychus urticae

What are Spider mites?

Spider mites are among the most common garden pests and are smaller than the head of a pin, making it hard to identify them. There are many different types, occurring in colours red, green, yellow, or brown with the most common being the two-spotted mite and red spider mite.

Where will I find Spider mites?

Spider mites can be found on virtually any type of plant, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Some plants are more susceptible than others including azaleas, camellias, roses, salvia, cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries.

What are the symptoms of Spider mites?

Symptoms include leaves turning yellow and dropping off, while plants become increasingly weakened and unsightly.

Spider mites are active in warm weather, feasting on plants, weakening them and making them susceptible to disease and other problems. Spider mites reproduce quickly with each female laying hundreds of eggs.

Its important to identify spider mites early on plants before an infestation occurs which is harder to control. Control methods include:

• Hosing them off with a jet spray of water
• Spray Eco-oil in early morning or evening and avoid using when temperatures are extreme.
• Neem oil will smother spider mites upon application, often used after spraying with Eco-oil.
• Beneficial insects, including lady bugs, predatory mites, lacewings prey on spider mites. Plant beneficial attracting plants like marigold, dill, coriander, Queen Anne’s lace, and cosmos to attract these natural predators.
• If an infestation becomes severe, remove the most affected leaves (bag & bin) and in extreme cases the entire plant may need to be removed.

Ensure optimal plant health by consistent watering, fertilizing and good garden hygiene will help plants be able to withstand pests and diseases whilst weakened and stressed plants are more susceptible to problems.