Today’s Garden Ideas

As you might guess spider mites are related to spiders. They are the size of a pinhead with eight legs and oval bodies in various colors or green, red, green or pink. Spider mites love dry, warm climates. Spider mites prefer to feed on leaves, bud, fruits and flowers. You can actually see the web the spider mites build running between the leaves and stems of the plant.

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Spider mites like hot dry weather to multiply. In warmer climates spider mites will remain active all year. In colder climates spider mites lay their eggs in ground detritus or on tree bark.

Signs of Infestation

You will see the damage done by spider mites before you actually see the mite itself. You may initially see dots of silver or yellow on leaves. The leaves will eventually turn yellow or brown and fall off. Look on the underside of leaves, as that is the most likely place to see spider mite webbing.

Eradication and Control

If you find or suspect spider mites on your plants there are several ways to control them naturally. Wash both sides of your plant leaves every other day for 2-3 weeks. Be sure to use a fairly forceful spray from your garden hose. Try spraying your plants with soapy water or horticultural oil once a week for 3 weeks. Be sure to cover soil with mulch to prevent the soil dust from blowing on to your plants and attracting spider mites.

Another natural way to fight spider mites is to purchase predatory mites that will devour the spider mites. Check with your local nursery to determine what type of predatory mite will work best.

If all the aforementioned methods do not work then try using chemical insecticides like acephate or malathion. Be sure to follow the directions very carefully. Also be aware that these pesticides will kill the predatory mites you might have purchased to control the spider mites.

Another problem with these chemicals is that spider mites can develop a resistance to them. The most effective way to control spider mites is to alternate the use of natural methods and chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Treatment

To treat for spider mites seasonally begin in spring and spray plants that are prone to spider mites with dormant oil. This will kill the spider mite eggs. Check twice a week for spider mites on your plants. Keep your plants watered thoroughly. In summer treat your plants with insecticidal soap. Repeat this step weekly. In the fall be sure to rake up leaves that may have fallen as a result of spider mite infestation.

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Some of the plants that spider mites prefer are roses, chrysanthemums and gardenias. Spider mites also like fruits and vegetables such as apples, lemons, pears, oranges, peppers and eggplant. Even some trees and shrubs can fall prey to the spider mite. Oak trees, spruce, and honey locust are some favorites of spider mites.

The key to preventing spider mite infestation is diligence. Keep a close eye on your plants and treat even if there is only a suspicion that the spider mites might be invading your garden. You do not want these little terrors to get out of control.