Spider Mites

Spider Mites

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Black or Red Moving Dots, White Dots in Webs, Webbing

Rarity:

Uncommon

Warning Signs:

Dieffenbachia, Large-Leaf Philos, Bird of Paradise

Common Plants:

Water Washing

Easy Treatments:

Warning Signs

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Spider Mites aren’t as common a pest, but they do still sneak in sometimes.

The biggest sign a plant is struggling with Spider Mites is if you see some on the plant. They look like red or black moving dots. They are very small, but if they are moving on their own they are most likely Spider Mites. Or if you see white dots seeming to float on the leaves, those are dead Spider Mites and another good sign your plant may be dealing with them.

They are most commonly on the underside of leaves, along the veins of the plant. They can also be found where the leaf petiole meets the leaf in severe cases.

Another big sign of Spider Mites is if there is lots of webbing on the undersides of leaves or along the stem. Spider Mites produce webs to navigate the plant and if there is a large infestation, there webbing can easily envelope your plant. If you’re seeing webbing on your plant, you could be dealing with Spider Mites and should do a thorough check.

Treatments

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Spider Mites are super easy to take care of!

Spider Mites prefer dry and dusty plants, so they easiest way to manage and deter them is to spray off your leaves.

I like to water all my plants in the tub or out on the patio when the weather is warm enough. That way I can spray off all the leaves and keep the dust away. This really deters Spider Mites.

Some of my large plants that go longer between waterings still get Mites, but I can do an intense shower for those plants specifically when they need it.

For larger infestations, you can preface your wash down with insecticidal sprays like Captain Jack’s Insecticidal Soap or All-Season’s Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil mixtures. Please READ the DIRECTIONS on these to make sure to use them properly. This will help you gain faster control over the infestation.

Note: When applying just insecticides, you may have to use them multiple times before they are fully effective.

Side Note: Check out my Pest Page for more tips on how to manage pests!

For more Basic Care Tips:

Visit my General Care Tips page. It can give more basic tips for:

Discovering Light Levels - Watering Frequency - Fertilizing - and More!