How to Get Rid of Spider Mites: Control & Prevention

Spider mites are common, tiny arachnids belonging to the family Tetranychidae. They are not insects but are more closely related to spiders and ticks.

These minuscule pests measure only about 0.2 to 0.5 millimeters in size, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye. Depending on the species and their diet, spider mites are often red, yellow, green, or brown in color.

Spider mites consume plant juices like aphids but make webs like spiders. However, unlike regular spiders, they do not trap bugs in their webs. They use them to protect their eggs and move about the plant.

Life Cycle

Female spider mites lay their eggs on a plant. The eggs hatch into larvae, often within a week. The larvae feed for a few days, and then they molt into the nymph stage.

Nymphs will molt again before they molt into adults. Spider mites feed on the plant at all stages: larvae, nymphs, and adults. Each female adult can then lay over 100 eggs to continue the cycle.

Signs That A Plant Has Mites

Spider mites can cause considerable damage to plants, even eventually killing them! Early detection can help you address the problem before it becomes severe.

Because the mites are so tiny, you will likely not see them initially. However, check your plants regularly for signs of spider mites, such as stippled or discolored leaves, webbing, and tiny moving specks on the leaves.

If your plants look blotchy, gritty, mottled green and white, or pale, check the undersides of the leaves. If you notice a fine webbing, you have spider mites! But don’t lose heart; there are safe and effective organic methods to eliminate spider mites.

Preventing Spider Mites

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The following methods will go a long way to protect your plants from spider mites:

• Quarantine - When new plants are purchased or brought inside from outside, you should quarantine them away from other plants and wait up to 2 weeks before integrating them with the rest.

• Prune & Clean Plants - Keep your garden or houseplants clean and free of debris to reduce hiding spots for spider mites. Regularly remove fallen leaves and weeds.

• Reduce Plant Stress- Plant stress will encourage pests! Fertilize adequately and avoid high heat and drought conditions. Keep indoor plants away from heaters or vents, and make sure outside plants are getting adequate water during peak summer conditions.

• Keep Pets at a Distance- This can be hard to do sometimes, but removing pets from around your plants can considerably cut down on spider mites, especially indoors. Dogs and cats often roll around in the grass outside, pick up mites on their fur or hair, and then brush against your plants. Pets are the leading cause of spider mites on indoor plants!

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites

If you notice that a plant is infested with spider mites, you can take these first two steps immediately:

1. Isolate- Isolate it from other plants to prevent the mites from spreading!

2. Water Removal- Use a strong stream of water to wash the mites off the plant's leaves. Be sure to target the undersides of the leaves where spider mites often reside. Repeat this process regularly to disrupt their life cycle.

Then, use one of the following products to get rid of the spider mites completely:

• Neem Oil - Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can act as a repellent and an organic pesticide. It will help control fungus gnats, aphids, thrips, spider mites, and white flies. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of neem oil and one drop of dish soap with ½ gallon of water. Use a spray bottle to spray it on your plants.

• Insecticidal Soap - Insecticidal soap is effective against spider mites. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the soap solution to your plants, focusing on the affected areas.

• Horticultural Oils - Horticultural oils, such as Mite X, suffocate mites and their eggs. They can be used indoors, in greenhouses, or outdoors. Ensure you use these oils as directed, as some plants may be sensitive to oil sprays.

• Homemade Oxalic Acid Pesticide - Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring compound that shuts down the digestive system of some insects when consumed. It is effective against aphids, white flies, and spider mites. Watch the video at the beginning of this blog post to learn how to make this all-natural pest control spray using rhubarb leaves!

• Predatory Insects - Introduce natural predators of spider mites, such as ladybugs, predatory mites, or green lacewings, to help keep spider mite populations in check!

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