How to Get Rid of Spider Mites Effectively (Complete Guide)
Spider mites are tiny sucking pests that can quickly wreak havoc on indoor and outdoor gardens. Many species of the spider mite (family: Tetranychidae) are common in North America and attack both indoor and outdoor plants. They can be especially destructive in greenhouses.
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are one of the most common pests in gardens. They are smaller than the head of a pin, which makes them hard to spot.
Most mite species overwinter as eggs on the leaves and bark of host plants.In early spring, as temperatures warm, tiny six-legged larvae begin hatching and feed for a few days before seeking shelter where they molt into the first nymphal stage.
Spider mites are tough to spot with the naked eye, which allows them to pass into our gardens without notice. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on sap from plant cells on the underside of leaves.
One of the best ways to protect your plants is to check them regularly. A 10x hand lens will make this much easier. Every 3-5 days, check your plants and see if there are any leaves with white or yellow spots on them.
Chemical pesticide use actually encourages the spread of spider mites by killing the beneficial insects that prey on them.Mites are also known to develop quick resistance to various pesticides.