Spider mite management

Spider mites are common pests of landscape and ornamental plants. Related more closely to spiders than to insects, these creatures are so tiny (just a millimeter or two long) that they are usually not detected until signs of damage to plants occurs. With a hand lens, it is possible to see their 8 legs, and their miniscule round bodies, usually decorated with long bristles.

Though most plants can handle moderate spider mite numbers, their populations can increase rapidly to damaging…