How should a plant be treated for spider mites? - briefly
Inspect foliage, isolate the plant, and treat with a miticide or insecticidal soap, repeating the application every 5‑7 days until mites are gone. Keep humidity low and prune regularly to discourage future infestations.
How should a plant be treated for spider mites? - in detail
Spider mites thrive in dry, warm conditions and can quickly defoliate a plant. Early detection relies on inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks, fine webbing, or stippled discoloration. Confirm the presence of mites before initiating control measures.
Cultural practices reduce population growth. Maintain humidity above 50 % by misting foliage or using a humidifier, especially for indoor specimens. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which promotes lush growth favored by the pests. Remove heavily infested leaves and dispose of them away from the growing area.
Physical removal disrupts the life cycle. Rinse plants with a strong jet of water, focusing on the leaf undersides, to dislodge adults and nymphs. For small infestations, wipe leaves with a cotton swab dipped in soapy water (0.5 % mild liquid soap) to kill mites on contact.
Biological agents provide targeted suppression. Apply commercially available preparations of predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus) according to label rates. Release rates of 10–20 predatory mites per square foot are effective when populations exceed 5 mites per cm². Ensure that pesticide residues are absent, as they can harm the beneficial insects.
Chemical options are reserved for severe outbreaks. Use acaricides with low mammalian toxicity, such as sulfur, neem oil, or spinosad, and follow these guidelines:
- Apply at the first sign of webbing, covering both leaf surfaces.
- Repeat applications every 7‑10 days until no mites are observed for two consecutive checks.
- Rotate products with different modes of action to prevent resistance buildup.
- Observe pre‑harvest intervals and safety precautions specified on the label.
After treatment, monitor the plant weekly for at least six weeks. Record mite counts per leaf area; a decline below 1 mite per cm² indicates successful control. Maintain preventive measures—regular watering, adequate ventilation, and periodic releases of predatory mites—to keep future infestations at bay.