Spider mites can cause serious damage to your plants or garden. Not only do they like to eat your plants but they also love to lay their eggs on the leaves. There isnt a whole lot you can do to prevent spider mites from invading but there definitely are things you can do to get rid of them. If you want to reduce the damages of spider mites check your plants frequently for signs of the little bugs. Small yellow or brown dots on the leaves is almost certainly a sign that youve been infested with spider mites.
Spider mites are nasty little critters that populate quickly. One minute youll see a spot or two on a leaf, here and there, and a few days later, you can see the spots on many, many leaves. In addition to the spots you can identify an infestation of spider mites if you look closely. The mites spin webs, sort of like a spider, and you can see the silky strands glimmering in the sunlight. Turning leaves over, to view their undersides, can help you spot the mites more easily. The webs are spun on the underside of leaves so that the mites can lay their eggs. The spotting of even one or two silken strands is a sure sign of infestation. One additional sign that mites have attacked your plants or garden is, of course, chewed marks on the leaves.
Spider mites love warm, dry climates. Keeping moisture levels up can help deter the mites. Keep a plate under outdoor potted plants to keep the plants hydrated and deter mites. Spray plants a couple of times a day to keep the mites away. For gardens use a firm spray which will drown the mites. If you have potted plants outside, and theyve been affected by spider mites, its best to take them out of the heat in the afternoon. Placing the potted plants in the shade during the hottest part of the day will help send the mites running. If youre unable to dissuade the mites, because you have a large garden or plants that cant be transported, youll need to consider other methods of ridding your plants of this plague. If youve identified a spider mite problem you can often take care of it yourself. Whenever possible isolate the infected plants from the others. Keep the infected plants grouped closely together. Of course, this will only work for potted plants and plants that are easily moved. Some experts suggest mixing one part rubbing alcohol with one part water and spraying it directly on the plants. The alcohol evaporates very quickly so that it does little or no damage to the plant. At the same time the alcohol is poison to the mites. Concentrate on spraying the bottoms of the leaves but spray the entire plant. If one treatment doesnt kill all the mites perform the spraying technique again in a couple of days. Horticultural oils are a popular way to get rid of spider mites on most any plant. Apply the spray during the warmest part of the day so that it evaporates quickly and does as little damage to the plants as possible. Most horticultural oils are petroleum-based, a fact you may want to be aware of, before purchasing. Insecticidal soaps are another option for killing spider mites. The soaps are sold at home improvement and gardening stores and work well to kill mites as well as other garden pests. Read the label on the soap carefully. Many of the products have to be mixed. Ask for assistance, if you dont know enough about the insecticidal soaps, to choose one thats already mixed. Spray the insecticide according to the manufacturers recommendations. For those growing huge gardens to feed their families, or those who just love beautiful flowers in their yards, the onset of spider mite infestations can spell serious trouble. Youll have the best luck warding them off if you check your plants for signs of mites long before you notice damaged plants and egg sacs. Read up on common mite poisons or talk to a knowledgeable rep at a home improvement or gardening store. Tend to the mite problem as soon as you notice it and youll have beautiful plants and luscious vegetables this year.
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