How To Identify And Control Spider Mites

Common Name: Spider mite

Scientific Family Classification: Tetranychidae

Species: About 1200 species

Identification:

• Minute, less than 1 mm in size
• Varies in colour
• Lay small, spherical (initially transparent) eggs
• Reproduce extremely rapidly
• Have needle-like sucking mouthparts. They feed by penetrating the plant tissue with their mouthparts to suck on the sap
• Infest the underside of leaves of nearly all house plants growing in hot and dry conditions

Damage to plants:

• The upper leave surface becomes speckled with yellow blotches and dead spots
• Leaves fall prematurely
• Occasion white webbing is produced between the leaves and stems

Natural Enemy:

• Predatory mites
• Ladybirds
• Predatory bugs
• Lacewings

Remedy:

• Wipe off with a damp cloth/cotton bud and spray with Serbajadi Neem Spray Extra Strength. Attack water-stressed plants, so regularly watering (but not over-watering) will prevent attacks.