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You are here: NPIC Home Page Pest Control Information Spider Mites

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common parasites on many different crops and houseplants. Spider mites are commonly found on the underside of leaves where they suck on plants. When plants are infested with spider mites, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off. If a plant appears affected, check the underside of the leaves for mites or their webbing. As adults, spider mites have 8 legs and are very difficult to see with the naked eye. One may need a magnifying glass to see the tiny mites. Spider mites are not insects but belong to a group called arachnids, which includes ticks, spiders, and scorpions.

There are many species of spider mites and one species may be more common in your area than another. Consider contacting your local Cooperative Extension Service for help identifying a pest.

Control tips:

• Spider mites like dusty, dry conditions. Make sure that plants have enough water.
• Diseased and unhealthy plants are more susceptible to spider mites and other pests.
• Forceful spraying of plants with water may help to control low-level infestations of spider mites.
• Spider mites have natural enemies, including predatory mites, which may be purchased as a form of biological control.
• If you decide to use a pesticide, always read and follow label directions.

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Additional Resources:

• Spider Mites - University of California
• Spider Mites - Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Spider Mites - Maine Board of Pesticides Control
• Spider Mite Management In Home Gardens - University of Nevada
• Spider Mites on Landscape Plants - University of Kentucky

Related Topics:

What are pests?

What are pesticides?

Please read our disclaimer | Contact us | About NPIC | En español

NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions. NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (cooperative agreement #X8-83560101). The information in this publication does not in any way replace or supersede the restrictions, precautions, directions, or other information on the pesticide label or any other regulatory requirements, nor does it necessarily reflect the position of the U.S. EPA.