Heres how to manage these tiny but destructive pests.
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If your once-vigorous plant is starting to look sickly, spider mites may be the culprits.
These tiny, plant-feeding arachnids hide in plain sight.
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Its usually about that time when people find the colonies of these pests under the leaves.
Large infestationskill a plant.
Typically, you see damage to the plant before you notice the mites.
You also may be able to see the mites moving around inside the webbing.
This species feeds on a wide variety of plants.
How To Identify Spider Mites
Spider mites live in colonies.
You may be able to see them with a 10 to 15x magnifying glass.
Theyre small, oval and have eight legs as adults.
Hatchlings have only six legs.
Different species are different colors, but most are pale, red or spotted.
Theyre especially common during hot, dry conditions.
Understanding Spider Mites
The life cycle of these pests is rapid.
After the eggs hatch, every stage is mobile and can quickly spread to nearby plants.
Outdoors, organisms, such as predators and fungi regulate populations.
