Spider Mites (Two-Spotted)

insect

Tetranychus urticae

Nearly microscopic sap-sucking mites. Thrive in hot, dry conditions. Produce fine webbing.

Identification

Tiny dots moving on leaf undersides (use magnification). Fine webbing between leaves. Stippled, bronzed leaves.

Tiny yellow or white stippling on leaf surfaces. Bronzing and leaf drop in severe cases. Fine webbing.

Strong water spray to leaf undersides. Insecticidal soap. Neem oil. Release predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis).

Miticide (specific mite killers). Avoid pyrethroids which can worsen mite outbreaks by killing predators.

Adequate watering (mites thrive in dry stress). Avoid dusty conditions. Do not over-fertilize. Companion plant with garlic.

Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm