Typical characteristics of spider mites
- Classification : Spider mites belong to the family Arachnids. They are assigned to the subclass of Mites and the suborder Prostigmata.
- Size : At only 0.2 to 0.5 millimeters in size, spider mites are tiny.
- Appearance: Their coloring varies from yellowish to reddish depending on the species and season.
- Web formation : A typical feature is the formation of fine webs, which are often visible on the affected host plant and are reminiscent of spider webs.
Detecting spider mite infestation on your plant
Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye. However, the fine webs that often wrap around stems and shoots and are easily visible on houseplants are particularly noticeable. If you discover such webs, you should inspect your plants more closely. The stubborn pests usually sit on the undersides of the plant's leaves, where they can cause damage undisturbed.
damage
Plants that are infested with spider mites often show a characteristic pattern of damage. The first sign is a weakened-looking plant with yellowish leaves. If the infestation is severe, the leaves can curl up, dry out and eventually fall off. Without timely intervention, the plant can be severely damaged or even die. It is therefore important to act quickly to contain the infestation of spider mites and save the plant.
What helps against spider mites?
With these measures you can combat spider mites and protect your plants in the long term:
- Isolate the affected plant: Place the affected plant separately from other plants to prevent contact and spread between plants. However, directly adjacent plants should also be treated as a precaution.
- Shower plants: A simple and effective step is to shower the plants thoroughly. To do this, place them in the shower and rinse them. This will wash away the little creatures and increase the humidity at the same time.
- Treating plants: Chemical pesticides can be used for targeted control. However, these agents should be used with caution as they can also harm the plant. Natural alternatives are a better choice.
Home Remedies for Spider Mites
There are various effective products you can use to spray your plants to combat spider mites. A gentle and simple method is a mixture of rapeseed oil , water and a few drops of washing-up liquid . Neem oil diluted with water has also proven to be an effective alternative. Another product you can use to spray the plant is a soap solution made from mild soft soap and water.
Spray the affected plants thoroughly with the solution, especially the leaves and undersides of the leaves. Repeat the application every two to three days for a period of at least two weeks to combat the infestation sustainably.
introduction of beneficial organisms
Beneficial organisms such as predatory mites or lacewing larvae are natural enemies of spider mites and an environmentally friendly method of controlling the infestation. The beneficial organisms eat both the spider mites themselves and their eggs and larvae. In order for the use of beneficial organisms to work optimally, it is important to take their specific requirements for temperature and humidity into account.
How long do spider mites live?
Spider mites reproduce extremely quickly. Females lay up to 100 eggs during their short life, which hatch into larvae after just three days and develop into reproductive adults in just two weeks. Therefore, you should not hope that the infestation will disappear on its own - quick action is crucial to prevent major damage and spread.
prevention
To prevent an infestation, increase the humidity, as spider mites prefer dry conditions. Spray your plants regularly with water or place a bowl of water nearby to worsen the pests' living conditions.
