What are spider mites?

Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on plants, and even though they're small, they can cause big problems. They damage plants by sucking out nutrients from the leaves, which makes the plant weak over time. Some plants can bounce back, but others might not survive if the infestation gets severe.

Despite their name, they are not a type of spider, nor do they eat or like to be around spiders. Spider mites are a type of arachnid, so they’re related to spiders and ticks, but they don’t spin webs or eat bugs. They’re plant eaters, and they love hot, dry places.

What do spider mites look like?

These pests are very small — too small to see clearly without a magnifying glass. Most are less than 1mm long, and their color can vary depending on the type. You might see red, brown, green, yellow, or nearly clear spider mites.

They also often live on the underside of leaves, where it’s harder to see them. If you look closely, you might notice tiny moving dots. Another sign is their webbing, which looks like fine strands stretched across leaves and stems. That webbing can make it easier to spot these mites, especially when the infestation grows.

You might also notice little speckled or silvery patches on the leaves; this is from the mites feeding and damaging the cells inside the plant.

Where do spider mites come from?

Spider mites can come in on new plants, garden tools, or even on your clothes after spending time outdoors. If one plant in your home or garden has these mites, they can quickly spread to others nearby.

Outdoors, the wind can carry them between plants. Indoors, they travel from pot to pot. If the space is warm and dry, they’ll feel right at home and multiply quickly. Even clean homes and healthy gardens can end up with spider mites, especially in dry climates or during droughts.

Life cycle of spider mites

Spider mites have a short life cycle, which is one of the reasons they can be such a problem. When the temperature is right, they can go from egg to adult in as little as five to seven days. That means a few mites can turn into hundreds in less than two weeks.

Their life cycle includes the egg, larva, a couple of nymph stages, and then adulthood. Adult females can lay dozens of spider mite eggs at once, usually on the underside of leaves. Because of how fast they grow, it’s easy for a small infestation to become out of control before you even notice.

 Signs of a spider mite infestation

Spider mite damage often starts slowly, which makes it easy to miss at first. One of the earliest signs is tiny yellow or white spots on the tops of leaves. These spots show where the mites have fed by piercing the leaf and sucking out the plant’s fluids. As the feeding continues, the speckling spreads, and the leaves can lose their color and strength.

As the infestation grows, the leaves may curl at the edges, turn yellow or bronze, and eventually fall off. You might notice that your plant looks tired or unhealthy, even if you water it regularly. The damage can move from one part of the plant to another pretty quickly, especially in warm, dry conditions.

A big giveaway is the presence of fine webbing. You might see these silky threads stretched between leaves, around stems, or along the undersides of leaves. Not all spider mites create visible webs, but many do—especially when their numbers increase. This webbing is one of the easiest ways to confirm you’re dealing with spider mites instead of something else.

Sometimes, the signs can look like other plant problems, like a lack of water, too much sun, or a nutrient imbalance. But those issues usually don’t come with webbing or visible pests. If you’re unsure, take a closer look at the undersides of the leaves. If you spot tiny moving dots or fine threads, it’s time to act. The sooner you catch a spider mite infestation, the easier it is to get under control.

Where are spider mites commonly found?

Spider mites can be found almost anywhere plants grow. They’re found on houseplants, vegetable gardens, flowers, shrubs, and even large trees. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, if the plant has leaves for them to feed on, they’ll find it.

They tend to prefer plants with soft, tender leaves. You’ll often see them on tomatoes, beans, strawberries, cucumbers, and many popular houseplants like palms, ivy, and ficus.

They also thrive in hot, dry conditions. Indoors, spider mites become more of a problem in winter when homes are heated and humidity drops. Outdoors, they’re most active during warm spells, especially in dry climates or during drought. Wind can also carry them from one plant to another, making it easy for them to spread across gardens or between outdoor and indoor plants.

Why are spider mites harmful?

Spider mites feed by piercing the outer layer of a leaf and drawing out its nutrients. This doesn’t just create tiny yellow or white spots, it also weakens the entire plant over time. The leaves can dry out, fall off, and leave the plant struggling to survive.

When a plant loses too many leaves, it can’t make enough energy through photosynthesis. Growth slows, flowers may stop blooming, and fruits or vegetables won’t develop properly. In some cases, the plant might not recover, even with extra care.

For home gardeners, spider mites can mean lost time, effort, and money. All the care you put into your plants can go to waste in just a few weeks. For farmers or greenhouse growers, the damage can be even more serious, leading to reduced yields and costly treatments.

Because they reproduce quickly and thrive in dry weather, spider mite infestations can spread fast, and they won’t go away on their own. The longer they’re left untreated, the harder they are to control.

How to get rid of spider mites

If you’ve noticed spider mites on your plants, there are a few things you can try at home. Washing the leaves with water can knock some of the mites off. Some people also use natural sprays like neem oil or insecticidal soap – and these have been known to help in mild cases, especially if you catch the problem early.

DIY treatments might only work for a short time. Because spider mites reproduce so quickly, it's hard to stay ahead of them. Many home treatments don’t get rid of mite eggs, which means new spider mites will keep showing up.

How to prevent spider mites in your home and garden

The best way to prevent a spider mite problem is similar to preventing a spider infestation: keep your space clean and monitor it often for warning signs. Mites are more likely to go after plants that are already damaged, maybe from lack of water, poor lighting, or dry air. So, it’s important you make sure your plants get the right amount of water, good airflow, and enough light for their type.

Before bringing new plants into your home or garden, inspect them closely. Check the underside of leaves for any signs of pests or damage. If you can, keep new plants separate from others for a few days to make sure they’re clear.

Wiping the leaves regularly with a damp cloth can also help. Spider mites prefer dusty, dry conditions, so clean leaves are less inviting. If your home tends to be dry, especially in the winter, using a humidifier or misting your plants can make the space less comfortable for mites. Even with good care, spider mites can still find their way in.

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