Tiny Mites Just Love Dry And Hidden Places

The problem with spider mites is that they are such an insidious problem that we often do not realize that they are there before it is too late. Plants which wilt and just look generally under the weather will point the way to infestation so it is a must to keep a close eye on them. A spider mite just loves hidden and very dry places and this is why it can do so much damage before it is spotted. Therefore, close inspection is often needed to see which plants are infested with them.

The first signs of infestation are the fluffy white ball like webs on the underside of leaves. They hide within these to lay their eggs. From here also, they burrow into the tender underside of the leaf and suck out the sap. Once they start on a plant, it does not take long for the poor plant to start showing signs of distress. Papery light marks on the leaves will often herald an infestation and the life is literally being sucked out of it slowly. Cleaning off the webs is the first step to saving the plant. Plucking off leaves which are infected is also another way since there could be an egg or two remaining. However, if the infestation has gone too far, the plant will certainly have to be disposed of to save other plants in the vicinity. This has to be done by burning since composting it will just lead to more problems in the future for sure.

One way to stop the invasion, particularly in our dry and centrally heated homes, is to put the plant next to water. The evaporation of the water surrounding the plant makes it an unsavory place for the pest. Standing the pot on a stone in a water filled pot also helps to keep the atmosphere humid. Make sure that the bottom of the pot is above the water though or this will waterlog the roots.

This obviously is too much work for the garden though so some other methods must be employed. When hosing the plants with water, make sure to get the undersides of the leaves too. Again, this moist atmosphere is what they hate so it is imperative to make them look elsewhere for their food. There are some treatment sprays which can be used in the garden, but one would have to keep doing this through the dry months. It may be better to use other bugs to eat the ones which are causing trouble and the 'greens' like this idea very much.

Insects like ladybugs are the ideal solution as these eat other kinds of destructive pests too. Those who were taught as children never to kill a ladybug now understand the reasoning behind this and will surely benefit from them if they are introduced into the garden. If all else fails, the plants may have to be destroyed by fire and the plot sprayed for the pest again. Either way, there is an answer to this perennial pest but it does take some work.

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