How Do Spiders Damage Plants?

Spider mites are small, black or brown insects that feed on plants. They live in colonies under the leaves. When the population of spider mites becomes large, they can cause serious damage to plants. Luckily, there are ways to control them.

Insecticidal soap is a good way to kill spider mites. You can use it on the underside of leaves and on the tops of the foliage. It will disrupt the outer cell membranes and create dehydration. The soap solution should be rinsed off the leaf after a few hours.

Other ways to control spider mites are using plant extracts, such as garlic oil. Clove oil and mint oils are also effective acaricides.

Using a magnifier can help you determine the type of spider mites you are dealing with. There are three different species of spider mites that are often problematic for ornamental plants.

These include the southern red mite, the two-spotted spider mite, and the western flower thrips. These are easily identifiable because they have saddle-bag-shaped spots on their backs.

A severe infestation can be accompanied by a yellowish cast to the plant’s leaves. This can be mistaken for drought stress, but it actually has a significant impact on the plants’ yield.

While spider mites are a common problem on many ornamental plants, they can also damage indoor houseplants. If you notice tiny brown or yellow spots on the foliage of your plants, be sure to take action.

To keep your plants healthy, you should make a pest-control plan. Keep a close eye on the water levels and humidity in the room.