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Facts on Spider Mites

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Related Tags: mites | spider | spray | plants | arachnids
 

Instructions

Features

  • Step 1:
    Spider mites are not insects. They are arachnids, cousin to spiders and scorpions. These tiny garden pests feed on almost any plant, piercing leaf tissue and sucking out plant fluids.

Geography

  • Step 1:
    Spider mites can be found throughout North America and Europe. The two-spotted spider mite prefers hot, dry regions, while the spruce mite and southern red mite prefer cooler climates.

Identification

  • Step 1:
    Spider mites measure one-fiftieth of an inch. You need a magnifying glass to see a single spider mite. They have eight hairy legs and their bodies are elliptical in shape.

Effects

  • Step 1:
    If your vegetable plants, flowers or trees are turning yellow, look dried out and dirty, and the leaves have a copper colored hue, your garden may be infested with spider mites. Spider mites can also infect houseplants and greenhouse plants.

Prevention/Solution

  • Step 1:
    Ladybugs can be used to control and even eliminate spider mites. You can also spray the affected plants with a soft soap spray. Mix 3 caps of mild dish detergent with 1 quart of water and mix well. Use a spray bottle to apply, being sure to spray both sides of the leaves. After 24 hours, spray the plants with a hose to remove the mites and residue.

Time Frame

  • Step 1:
    The female spider mite lays her eggs on the underside of leaves and weaves a fine web over them. Spider mites can mature from egg to adult in as little as one week. Because they reproduce and multiply so quickly, creating several generations within a season, any treatment needs to be applied over several weeks.

Facts on Spider Mites Provided by eHow.com
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