Those of you who have a garden or potted plant may be wondering what plants do spider mites eat. These annoying little arachnids can quickly take over a garden or potted plant, even if it has been treated with an insecticide. Despite their small size, spider mites are highly resilient and reproduce quickly. This makes them a pest of great concern, particularly if your garden has already been ravaged by chemical insecticides.
Host plants for spider mites
In addition to plant-specific knowledge, plant-care professionals must also be familiar with the spider mite species inherent to specific plants. To detect spider mites, look for fine, yellow stippling or the presence of silk. Spider mites are oval-shaped, but there are also some predatory species that are more teardrop-shaped. To monitor infestations, gently shake foliage of plants that host spider mites.
The symptom of a spider mite infestation is often unseen, as the insects feed on the cells of the plant. These tiny creatures pierce the epidermis of leaves and feed by sucking the fluids out of them. The result is that plant leaves look yellow and discolored. In severe cases, spider mites can actually web over a plant. If this problem is not treated quickly, the plant can die.
A single spider mite can have a high population of eggs. The female wasp will lay up to 100 eggs in a single spider mite nest. Once the eggs hatch, the mites will live for a week before becoming adult spider mites. Adult spider mites usually have three males for every female. Spider mites feed on a plant and shed their eggs. They will molt into a new stage when the weather gets cooler and rainier.
Predatory insects that eat spider mites
Spider mites are pests of many kinds of plants, including ferns, succulents, ferns, and even trees. These insects are especially prevalent in warm weather and thrive on dry, shady conditions. They seldom damage plants in cool weather, though they can cause significant problems in landscapes. To keep them away, you should water your plants and remove any debris from their host plants.
Spider mites can feed on almost any plant, but they are most often found on flowering, low-lying plants with delicate leaves and flowers. African violets are one of their most favorite targets. Spider mite life cycles are variable and range anywhere from five days to a month, and they spawn quickly. For this reason, it is important to properly handle spider mites to prevent infestations.
The first signs of spider mite infestation are yellowed leaves with bronze flecks on the surface. These symptoms may occur throughout the growing season, and can be visible at any time of the year. If the infestation becomes severe, the affected plants may even die. Because they feed on leaves and other plant tissues, spider mites can cause serious damage to your plants. Spider mites are especially harmful to annual plants because they depend on leaves to produce fruit. If you notice discoloration or other signs of a spider mite infestation, it’s time to treat it.
Treatments for spider mites
Treatments for spider mites can be used to treat your plants. If spider mites are present on plants in the house, you can spray them with insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils. It is important to spray the plants in a well-ventilated area to prevent them from spreading indoors. In addition to spraying plants, you can also wipe down your plants with a solution of rubbing alcohol and water.
Plant-based horticultural oils are also effective against spider mites. You can purchase ready-to-spray formulations and concentrates. To make a solution, mix two-half to five tablespoons of oil into a gallon of water. You should apply this solution late at night. These solutions kill spider mites on contact. You should remember to avoid spraying plants if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insecticidal soap works by coating the spider mite’s body and killing it. This solution is safe for children and organic gardeners alike. Neem oil is another solution that is effective for spider mites. Neem oil comes from neem trees and contains an ingredient called Azadirachtin, which interferes with insect hormone systems. This substance prevents spider mites from breeding and laying eggs, and thus kills spider mites effectively.
