Spider mites are tiny creatures, but they can wreak significant havoc on our plants. These microscopic insects belong to the arachnid family and are known for their ability to multiply rapidly and cause devastating damage. In this article, we'll explore everything about spider mites in detail: from their life cycle, to control methods, to the types of damage they can cause and the hosts they prefer.
# # # Plant spider mite life cycle # # #
Plant spider mites go through a life cycle consisting of four main stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult. Starting as eggs, which may be deposited on plant leaves or other nearby locations, these eggs hatch into larvae that feed on plant tissue.
As they grow and develop, the larvae become nymphs which continue to feed and grow until they become adults. Depending on the species and environmental conditions, this cycle can last from a few days to several weeks. Spider mites prefer warm and dry climates, so their development stops in conditions of high relative humidity, temperatures below 12ºC or above 40ºC. In areas with milder winters, generations occur throughout the year or hibernate until the following spring.
A female can lay more than 100 eggs, with a reproductive cycle that accelerates in a temperature range between 23 and 30ºC.
# # # How to recognize a spider mite attack # # #
Despite their small size, careful monitoring will allow spider mites to be recognized on the underside of the leaves. Early in the establishment of the colony, it is very difficult to see the spider mites with the naked eye, but this can be done with a magnifying glass, or by placing a blank sheet of paper under the sheet and tapping it lightly until until it falls to the surface.
Spider mites generate a silk web to protect themselves and their eggs from natural enemies and to move around the plant. When the level of infestation is very high, we can appreciate the shape and volume of this tissue with the naked eye.
NOTE: Do not confuse the red spider web with the web produced by spiders. The spider web has a network structure while the web produced by spider mites resembles a fine veil.
Regardless, reality tells us that the easiest way to recognize a spider mite attack is the damage they cause to crops. Spider mites feed on sap. They pierce the leaves with their mouthparts and cause visible lesions on the epidermis. Damaged areas can be recognized by the appearance of gray or yellowish dotted spots which eventually become dehydrated. If the attack is more severe, the leaves may undergo deformation or rolling leading to defoliation of the plant.
# # # Types of plant spider mites # # #
There are many species of spider mites that can attack plants, each with their own characteristics and host preferences. Some of the most common spider mites found in agricultural and gardening environments include, among others, the red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), the white spider mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus), the cyclamen spider mite (Steneotarsonemus pallidus), and the spider mite red (Panonychus ulmi). Each spider mite species can cause different damage and have a set of preferred hosts, making it important to correctly identify the species that affect our plants in order to implement effective control strategies.
# # # How does the spider mite reach our plants? # # #
The spider mite can be carried by a bird or other animal which carries it on its skin, by man himself on his clothing, by wind and water, or it can be moved from plant to plant. another one. Its attack is stronger in summer, because it favors the sunniest days.
# # # Plant spider mite hosts # # #
Plant spider mites can attack a wide variety of crops, ornamental plants and fruit trees. Some of the most common hosts include tomatoes, cucumbers, cotton, roses, strawberries, corn, cotton, cannabis and citrus fruits. Some spider mite species may have specific host preferences, while others may attack a wide range of plants. It is therefore important to monitor our plants carefully for the presence of spider mites and take preventative and control measures if necessary.
# # # How to fight spider mites on our plants # # #
The fight against spider mites becomes essential when this pest appears on crops. Two factors explain the importance of acting quickly, both linked to their speed of reproduction and the damage they can cause to crops.
Chemical treatments to combat plant spider mites
Faced with a spider mite infestation, it may be necessary to resort to chemical treatments to control the population and protect our plants. Insecticides and miticides are chemicals specially designed to kill spider mites and other insects that can damage plants. These products are available in a variety of formulations, including sprays, powders and liquid concentrates, and can be applied directly to affected plants. Some of the treatments are:
DELTAMETHRIN
ETOFENPROX
SPIROTETRAMAT
TAU-FLUVALINATE
Biological treatments to combat plant spider mites
Biological spider mite control is an excellent tool for combating this pest and is a sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy for managing harmful spider mite populations in agricultural crops and in natural environments. Biological spider mite control involves the use of natural compounds and living organisms to reduce spider mite populations. Some of the most effective biological control strategies include:
Use of natural enemies: Predatory and parasitoid spider mites are natural enemies of phytophagous spider mites. For example, some predatory spider mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius californicus actively feed on phytophagous spider mites, helping to control their populations. Parasitic spider mites, such as Amblyseius swirskii, lay their eggs inside plant-eating spider mites, causing them to die.
Promote biodiversity: Maintaining plant diversity in the agricultural landscape can encourage the presence of natural enemies of spider mites, providing them with shelter and food when phytophagous spider mite populations are not available.
Cultural management: Agricultural practices such as weed control, proper pruning and controlled irrigation can help reduce spider mite populations by eliminating refuge sites and reducing conditions favorable for spider mite reproduction.
Use of organic products: Certain organic products, such as extracts of vegetable oils like orange or paraffin oil or entomopathogenic microorganisms like fungi of the genus Beauveria bassiana, can be effective in controlling spider mite populations without harming natural enemies.
Home treatments to combat spider mites
There are a number of home methods that can be effective in controlling dust spider mites if you don't want to resort to chemical treatments. These methods are gentler on the environment and can be a good option for those who prefer to avoid using chemicals in their garden. Some of the most effective options include spraying with potassium soap, applying carrier oils such as neem oil, or a mixture of the two.
Here is the recipe to prepare it at home
Homemade recipe to eliminate spider mites: |
✅ A water sprayer ✅ A liter of water ✅ 5 mL or a teaspoon of potassium soap ✅5 ml or a teaspoon of neem oil |
Also the introduction of natural predators such as predatory spider mites and ladybugs, and the use of physical barriers such as netting and mesh to prevent spider mites from entering the garden. Sticky traps are an excellent tool for controlling insect pests such as thrips, whiteflies and spider mites.
We leave you the link on chromatic traps and how to make your own traps
It is important to note that some of these methods may require repeated applications to be effective, and it may be necessary to try several different approaches to find the one that works best in your specific situation.
Spider mites are small but powerful enemies that can wreak havoc on our crops and gardens. By knowing their life cycle, potential damage and control methods, we can protect our plants and keep our green spaces healthy and thriving. Whether chemical or DIY treatments, it is important to act quickly to control spider mite populations and minimize damage to our plants.
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