How to cure a spider mite? - briefly
Apply a miticide such as neem oil or horticultural oil, covering leaf undersides thoroughly, and raise humidity to impede mite reproduction. Remove heavily infested foliage and isolate the plant to prevent spread.
How to cure a spider mite? - in detail
Spider mites thrive in dry, warm conditions and reproduce rapidly; early detection prevents severe damage. Inspect foliage regularly, focusing on the undersides of leaves where tiny moving dots and fine webbing appear. Lightly tap leaves over a white surface; displaced mites become visible as specks.
Cultural measures reduce population growth. Maintain relative humidity above 60 % by misting plants or using a humidifier. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which promotes tender growth favored by mites. Remove heavily infested foliage and dispose of it away from the growing area. Rotate crops and provide adequate spacing to improve air circulation.
Biological agents offer targeted suppression. Release predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus according to label instructions; these predators consume large numbers of spider mites throughout their life cycle. Apply entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana when humidity permits, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides.
Chemical options serve as a last resort. Select miticides with low toxicity to beneficial insects, for example, neem oil, insecticidal soap, or products containing abamectin. Follow label rates precisely, applying in the early morning or late evening to minimize photodegradation. Rotate active ingredients to delay resistance development.
Monitoring continues after treatment. Use sticky traps or leaf samples to assess mite numbers weekly. Reapply cultural, biological, or chemical controls only when thresholds—typically five mites per leaf or noticeable webbing—are exceeded. Consistent vigilance sustains plant health and limits future outbreaks.