How to get rid of spider mites

The complete guide

Two-spotted spider mite

Difficulty Medium

Frequency High

Reproductive rate Up to 100x

Lifecycle Up to 65 days

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that damage plants by feeding on their sap. Their rapid reproduction can lead to a gradual weakening of infested plants.

Ornamental plants

Vegetable plants

Identifying spider mites

Spider mites are very small and can sometimes be difficult to see with the naked eye. They spin fine webs, unlike false mites, which do not produce any. The damage they cause is distinctive and easy to recognize:

Early infestation

Many small white or yellow spots on the leaves
Fine dust on the undersides of the leaves

Advanced infestation

Fine webs on the leaves and stems
Leaves curled inward
Yellowed and dried leaves

Treatment options

Indoor plants

Small greenhouses

Prevention

You will need :

Scissors / Pruners
Plastic bags

Natural predators :

Phytoseiulus persimilis

How to treat spider mites?

The most effective and safe strategy is to dislodge the majority of eggs, nymphs, and adults using a strong water jet and introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis to detect and eliminate any remaining individuals.

1

Preparation

Cutting a damaged leaf in a tropical plant

Cut off damaged leaves

Damaged leaves usually harbor spider mites. If possible, cut them off.

Removing debris from the soil of a tropical plant

Remove debris

Remove dead leaves and other debris that may interfere with the treatment.

Wrap the pot

Wrap the pot in a plastic bag to protect the root ball during the treatment.

2

Cleaning

Prepare a workspace

Prepare a workspace that can get wet; ideally outside, in the sink or in the bathtub.

Adjust the water

Use the strongest jet of water possible without damaging the plant (hose, faucet, showerhead, etc.).

Cleaning a tropical plant with a powerful water jet

Wash the leaves and stems

Generously spray all leaves and stems, paying close attention to the underside of the leaves. Cover all angles in several passes.

3

Drying

Let the plant dry

Wait for the leaves to be completely dry before introducing predators.

4

First introduction

Introduction of bulk Phytoseiulus persimilis in a tropical plant

Introduce the bulk persimilis

Distribute the bulk persimilis using small containers.

5

Second introduction

Repeat the introduction

Wait three weeks and repeat the same introduction.

A few important points

Natural predators are particularly effective at detecting hidden spider mites once their population has been reduced. The more thorough the initial cleaning, the higher the chances of success.
Since a single spider mite can restart an infestation in just a few days, treatment must be carried out completely and without interruption.

Once the treatment is complete

Inspect the plants regularly for at least eight weeks. If new signs of spider mites appear, repeat the cleaning of affected plants every five days. Otherwise, you can consider your treatment successful. We recommend using the preventive treatment to avoid a new infestation.

Do I absolutely need to treat all my plants?

Spider mites spread quickly, and the absence of symptoms does not mean the plants are healthy. It is therefore strongly recommended to treat all plants simultaneously. However, you can isolate plants that appear healthy and apply only the preventive treatment to them.

What should I do if I cannot wash a plant with a water jet?

If washing the plant with a water jet is not possible, you will need to reduce the spider mite population by other means. A common alternative is the black soap foliar treatment. Spray it very generously to saturate all surfaces of the plant, without exception.

Do I need to repeat cleaning before each introduction?

Cleaning is always necessary before the first introduction. If the initial infestation was severe or many insects are still visible at the time of subsequent introductions, it is preferable to carry out another pre-introduction cleaning. Conversely, it is no longer necessary once the infestation appears to be under control.

Is it necessary to replace the substrate to treat spider mites?

Eggs, nymphs, and adult spider mites remain on the foliage. Not only is replacing the substrate unnecessary, but it also causes additional stress that could further weaken the plant.