These tiny sucking pests can quickly destroy indoor and outdoor gardens. Here you will learn how to control them in the best way.
Both indoor and outdoor plants are commonly attacked by spider mites (family: Tetranychidae) worldwide. Greenhouses are particularly exposed to these pests.
Arachnids, such as spider mites, ticks, and scorpions, compete with insects for the same habitat. There is a pale, reddish-brown color to it, and it is tiny (about the same size as a period) – about the size of a period. Young forms are smaller rather than larger than adults.
In colonies, mice sucking up plant fluids from the surfaces of leaves build settlements on the undersides of leaves. They leave pale feeding marks on the leaves. Leaves turn yellow as they eat, and they may dry up and fall off.
Spider mites flourish in hot, dry climates and under the control of insecticides that eliminate their natural enemies. Several species of the world’s plants feed on plant-feeding mites, many of which are parasites. Infestations often go undetected because of their creative nature before damage is noticed.
Fine webbing often accompanies large populations. A host plant can be a strawberry, melons, bean, tomato, eggplant, ornamental flowers, including trees, or most house plants.
Life Cycle
In the winter, mite eggs overwinter on the leaves and bark of plants. As temperatures warm in spring, tiny, six-legged larvae hatch out, feed for a short while, and then seek shelter. They then become nymphs, and nymphs undergo two molts before becoming adults.
The female produces up to 300 eggs after mating within two weeks. An egg can become an adult as soon as five days if the conditions are hot and dry. Many generations overlap throughout the year.
There are several ways to treat spider mites
You can use insecticides to control spider mites in your home using various methods. For quick control of spider mites, try the following methods.
Prepare a soap solution
Using water and dish detergent, one can suffocate aggressive spider mites. Add one teaspoon of liquid dish soap to one quart of lukewarm water and shake until combined. Pour the solution into a spray bottle, and you are ready to use it.
Apply soap to the leaves occasionally for as long as the mites are present.
Put rubbing alcohol on the surface
Rubber alcohol is also a miticide that works against predatory spider mites. Leaf surfaces should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, spread flat, blotted with damp items on the wet areas, then allowed to air dry.
By dehydrating them, spider mites will die. Rinse them with a garden hose once those dead mites have risen to the surface. Make sure your plants are not allergic to your rubbing alcohol. Spray rubbing alcohol along with three parts water on infested plants.
Attract useful predators
A number of predatory mites consume spider mites, including ladybugs, thrips, and lacewings. Ensure that flower beds and garden beds are regularly watered to keep beneficial insects from being harmed.
Pest control of spider mites is an actual solution for eliminating bugs and mites attacking houseplants. Keep the bugs in pots. People, plants, and pets will not be harmed by feeding hundreds of mites each day.
Make use of neem oil
Natural pesticides like horticultural oil do not harm animals, humans, or pets. Their suffocating properties kill spider mites rapidly.
Mix one tablespoon of water and one teaspoon of water in a spray bottle, and spray it over the affected foliage. Be careful not to get neem oil on your clothing or furniture.
Make use of rosemary oil
Despite its safe use by humans and pets, it kills spider mites. Stir one teaspoon of rosemary oil into one quart of water, then add one quart of water. Once the solution has been poured into a spray bottle, spray the solution on the infested plants.
In addition to treating fruits and vegetables, rosemary oil is a great pest control solution for houseplants as well.
The pressure of water
Spray high-pressure water hose nozzles on your plants when you’re watering.
Insects won’t feel the blast because the nozzle can be adjusted to prevent plant damage. Yet create a solid shot to knock them off their feet. While spraying each plant, you should inspect the undersides of all foliage to check for spider mites that you want to hide.
Be determined and keep at it until you eliminate the spider mites. The attack will have to be repeated two to three times to stop them forever.
Cut off any affected leaves
It may be impossible to save a leaf that has fallen too far and must be rejected. This will prevent nutrient waste and maintain the overall health of the plant.
The leaf should be put in a garbage bag and removed from your house to prevent pests from returning. The leaf should also be properly disposed of if there are any remaining leaves.
Identify new plants
If your yard or garden appears to be infested, keep newly planted plants as far away as possible from infected spots.
Be careful when feeding them
After being treated for damaged leaves, your plant will be more sensitive to further damage. Check if the soil is dry or too saturated, and don’t move the plant or disturb its ecosystem to recover fully.
