One of the most troublesome pests are spider mites. They like to grow among potted, garden and balcony plants. They are a threat, especially now, during the heating season, when the conditions in our apartments are ideal for them. Find out how to recognize these pests at an early stage and how to combat them.
Spider mites are microscopic arachnids. They are considered one of the most persistent pests that attack house plants and garden plants. Despite their small size, as they only measure up to 0.5 mm in length, they can cause a lot of damage.
Spider mites destroy our specimens by sucking plant juices from leaf cells. As a result, the leaves lose their healthy appearance and become more and more dull and discolored. Sometimes they even die and fall off. What’s worse, spider mites are difficult enemies because they can reproduce very quickly.
In favorable conditions, the new generation appears after only 5-7 days. Additionally, the female can lay up to several hundred eggs, so the pest population increases not only quickly but also in large numbers.
It is also worth mentioning that the current conditions in our apartments favor the spread of spider mites. The dry air created by heating provides them with an ideal environment. Moreover, pots placed close to each other make it easier for them to move from one plant to another. We should also be aware that spider mites can be transmitted on clothes or when airing rooms or purchasing new plants.
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Now that we know how quickly spider mites can reproduce, we are aware that it is crucial to recognize the symptoms as quickly as possible to be able to get rid of them effectively. Due to the fact that it is not easy to see spider mites with the naked eye, especially at the beginning of their invasion, it is worth knowing what to pay attention to and what may indicate their presence:
- Thin spider webs – we can notice them mainly on the underside of leaves and between their petioles.
- Spots – small, light discolorations appear on the leaves, which, over time, begin to turn into larger yellow or brown spots.
- Matte coating – leaves attacked by spider mites look as if they were sprinkled with flour or covered with dust.
As soon as we notice disturbing symptoms, we should take appropriate action. To get rid of spider mites, really It only takes two key steps. Oto one:
- Creating conditions they do not tolerate spider mites – these pests feel best in a warm and dry environment, so the humidity around the plant should be increased. For this purpose, we should systematically sprinkle their leaves, especially from the bottom, where pests most often reside. Additionally, it is worth placing an air humidifier or stands with pebbles near the plants.
- Combating pests – we can get rid of spider mites using chemical or natural means. To start with, it is worth using the second method, washing the leaves with water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. We can also use garlic or onion extract. However, if the problem is much more serious, you should purchase specialized plant protection products. Also remember to repeat the treatment after a few days to eliminate new generations of pests that may have hatched from the eggs.
