The spider mite is one of the most feared pests in a large number of countries. These tiny mites are a great danger due, above all, to their high propagation and reproduction capacity, thanks to which they can infest entire plantations in a few days if not treated properly.
In this Green Ecologist article we are going to talk about how to remove spider mites from plants. Keep reading us if you are interested in discovering a practical guide with remedies and tips to get rid of this plague and learn how to prevent it.
How to identify the spider mite: characteristics and symptoms on plants
Before explaining how to combat spider mites on plantsWe want to detail what its characteristics are and what symptoms can be seen in the plants affected by this insect so that you can identify if this is the problem you have in front of you or if, on the contrary, it is another pest.
Although it is commonly called a spider, this pest is actually a mite less than 1 mm in size, which feeds on plants by sucking the sap from leaves, stems and fruits with its stylets. It can also display a wide variety of colors, and despite its red spider name it is possible to find colonies of these mites yellowish, brownish or greenish, depending mainly on the climate and the diet of each type. They lay their eggs, which are smooth and spherical, in the underside of leaves. If this is observed with a magnifying glass, the amber eggs can be distinguished, but they are invisible to the naked eye due to their small size.
Between the spider mite symptoms on plants, it is common to find the following:
- Small yellowish chlorotic spots can be distinguished on the leaves. In these early stages of infestation, the pest can be almost invisible to us, and it is necessary to pay attention to these spots on leaves or fruits.
- As the spider mite multiplies, fine cobwebs can begin to be seen on the plants, growing rapidly until they cover much of the plant.
- At this point, the mite forms a perfectly visible layer at the points where it concentrates, and spreads to other plants using cobwebs, wind or gravity.
- In severe cases the plants can be completely defoliated.
- In horticultural plantations, the fruits suffer stains that greatly decrease their value, causing great economic losses.
How to remove spider mites from plants
Although it is one of the most common pests in plants, there are many remedies to eliminate spider mites. These are some of the most common:
Natural predators of the spider mite
The use of natural predators as a means of pest control is very habitual. In the case of the spider mite, the most common is the Amblyseius. This type of control, however, has the downside that, once the pest is decimated, the natural predator disappears due to lack of food, so it is necessary to repopulate the crops or the garden from time to time to control the pests of Red spider.
Learn much more about Biological Pest Control: what it is, advantages, disadvantages and examples with this other Green Green article.
Use of pesticides
The abuse of insecticides or pesticides is never recommended, but there are cases of large pests in which it is convenient to use some and, in addition, many products with the capacity to combat red spider mites. In spite of everything, this mite has a facility to develop resistance to these products, which also protects itself with its cobwebs if the infestation is large. In addition, many pesticides kill a large number of species, and not only with the plague to combat, so you have to try to avoid them and look for other methods or use them little.
Potassium soap
It is one of the most popular ecological remedies, since it is not harmful to the environment and, especially when combined with the application of Neem oil, it is quite effective in the fight against this pest. The solution of this product is sprayed on the affected leaves and plants and, in a matter of a short time, a drastic reduction in the pest will be observed. In this other post we explain how to make potassium soap.
Home remedies to eliminate spider mites
- The garlic solution It can also be a useful ally in reducing the number of spider mites. It is prepared by crushing half an onion, 2 cayenne peppers and 2 cloves of garlic and letting the mixture rest in a liter of water for about 48 hours, stirring it a little from time to time. After two days, filter it and add 3 more liters of water. Apply it especially on the underside of the leaves.
- The nettle slurry It is also quite popular, although you should keep this product away from pregnant women, as it could harm the fetus.
How to eliminate flowering spider mites
Actually, in the flowering stage synthetic chemical insecticides should not be used, because its flowers and fruits are endangered.
Thus, it is best that you use the biological insecticides or natural products, even if they are quite elaborate, such as potassium soap. In fact, if it is small plants, the eggs and adults can be removed from the underside of the leaves manually with a cotton swab dipped in the soap solution.
How to prevent spider mites on plants
It agrees do not abuse nitrogenous fertilizers, in addition to maintaining some humidity levels not too low in cultivation. The use of earthworm humus It also helps prevent the appearance of the plague, as it is rich in microorganisms that are harmful to the mite. In this link you can learn How to make worm castings.
In addition, here you can learn more useful information about How to combat pests in organic farming and how to prevent them.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to eliminate spider mites, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
