What Are Spider Mites & Their Early Signs?
Spider mites are tiny but destructive arachnids that can wreak havoc on your plants. Identifying the early signs of spider mites is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Learn how to identify these pests, recognize the early signs of an infestation, and explore the most effective methods for treating spider mites.
Diagnosis: What Do Spider Mites Look Like?
Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can be identified by the stippling of light dots on leaves or the presence of webbing.
When trying to identify these pests, use a magnifying lens to view the tiny, moving dots. Adults are less than one-twentieth of an inch long and have eight legs, an oval body, and two colored eyespots near the end of the head. They live in colonies, mostly on the undersides of leaves, with a single colony potentially containing hundreds of mites. When populations are high, dense webbing can cover leaves, twigs, and fruit.
How to Prevent & Treat Spider Mites Effectively
There are a number of things you can do to prevent and treat spider mites on your trees.
Spider Mites Prevention Tips
- Keep your trees healthy. Healthy trees are more resistant to pests and diseases. Make sure your trees are getting enough water and nutrients.
- Inspect your trees regularly. Check your trees for signs of spider mites, such as stippling on leaves or the presence of webbing.
- Remove infested leaves. If you find any infested leaves, remove them immediately.
Spider Mites Treatment
- Spray with water. If you have a small infestation, you can try spraying your trees with water. This will dislodge the mites and help to wash them away.
- Use insecticidal soap or oil. Insecticidal soap or oil can be sprayed on your trees to kill spider mites.
If you have a serious infestation of spider mites, call Eco Tree Company at (608) 886-0626.
It is important to note that chemical control should be performed by a certified arborist. Schedule a free consultation with the an arborist in your area.
Rid Your Plants of Spider Mites
When facing a spider mite infestation, the smartest move is to call a professional arborist. With Eco Tree Company’s expertise and proven treatment methods, we’ll restore your plants to their vibrant, healthy state.