Spider Mites on Houseplants: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Them
Spider mites are some of the most destructive houseplant pests, notorious for their rapid reproduction and ability to devastate plants in a short time. Belonging to the Tetranychidae family, the most common indoor species is the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can infest hundreds of plant species.
Identification & Damage
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Appearance: Extremely small (0.5 mm), often yellow, green, or red. Adults usually show two dark spots on their bodies.
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Damage Symptoms: Leaves display tiny stippling (light dots), yellowing, bronzing, curling, or crisping. Severe infestations leave behind fine webbing on stems and foliage.
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Life Cycle: Eggs are laid on the undersides of leaves. In warm, dry conditions, spider mites can complete a generation in just 7–10 days—leading to explosive outbreaks.
Origins & Spread
Spider mites are found worldwide and spread easily indoors. They often arrive:
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On new plants or cuttings.
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On your clothing, tools, even pets, or from being close to a door or window that opens.
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Through contact with already infested plants.
Once established, they move quickly from plant to plant, especially in warm, dry environments.
Pests Are Inevitable—Don’t Panic
One of the top questions we hear is: “Why do my plants get pests?” The truth: if you grow plants, you’ll encounter pests eventually—it’s inevitable.
Spider mites don’t mean you’re a bad plant owner, and infestations aren’t the end of the world. With the right preventive strategies and curative products, you can manage them successfully. At Urbane Eight, we’re here to help make pest control less intimidating.
Biological Control with Koppert Solutions
Spider mites reproduce so rapidly that sprays alone rarely keep up. Koppert’s biological controls are highly effective because they target multiple life stages naturally.
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Phytoseiulus persimilis (Spidex / Spidex Vital / Spidex Boost)
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Specialist predator that feeds exclusively on spider mites.
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How to use: Release directly onto infested plants. Best in moderate to high humidity (18–27 °C).
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Neoseiulus californicus (Spical / Spical Ulti-Mite)
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A generalist predatory mite that can survive on pollen. Ideal for preventive use or at the first signs of spider mite infestations.
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How to use: Apply sachets evenly across plants for ongoing background control.
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Amblyseius andersoni (Anso-Mite)
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Works at lower temperatures and is useful for long-term prevention.
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Feltiella acarisuga (Spidend)
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A gall midge whose larvae attack dense spider mite hotspots, especially where webbing is present.
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While not directly controlling spider mites, sticky traps help detect other flying pests early and support monitoring in integrated programs.
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Other Effective Treatments You Can Use
In addition to beneficial insects, you can use these safe, effective treatments indoors:
Spider Mite Knock Out by Dr. Doom
For growers dealing with severe spider mite infestations, Spider Mite Knock Out by Dr. Doom is a fast-acting option designed specifically to target mites. Unlike general sprays, this formula is made to penetrate the protective webbing spider mites produce and deliver a quick knockdown of adults, larvae, and nymphs.
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How it works: Spider Mite Knock Out uses pyrethrins (a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers) to paralyze and kill spider mites on contact. It is especially useful in heavy infestations where biological control alone may not be enough.
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How to use: Shake well before spraying. Apply directly to the undersides of leaves and stems where spider mites hide and lay eggs. Repeat applications may be necessary depending on the severity of the infestation.
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When to use: Ideal for outbreaks that require immediate suppression, and best used in combination with preventive strategies (like increasing humidity and quarantining new plants).
Note: Because it is a contact spray, it should not be used at the same time as releasing beneficial insects, as it may harm them. If using both, release beneficials only after spray residues have dried and enough time has passed (7–10 days).
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How it works: Breaks down protective coatings of soft-bodied pests, including spider mite nymphs.
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How to use: Spray thoroughly on both sides of leaves. Repeat weekly until populations are controlled.
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How it works: A natural powder that dehydrates mites when they crawl across it.
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How to use: Lightly dust soil or around plant bases. Works best for prevention and surface movement.
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How it works: Pyrethrin-based spray that delivers fast knockdown of adult spider mites.
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How to use: Spray directly onto infested leaves and stems. Avoid overuse to prevent resistance.
Using Beneficials with Other Pest Control Methods
Important: You can’t always combine beneficial insects with sprays or dusts. Even organic treatments may harm them.
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Beneficials first: Release predators before applying sprays or diatomaceous earth.
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Avoid overlap: Soaps, sprays, and powders can kill beneficials.
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Choose your method: Stick with beneficials for natural, ongoing control—or use sprays/powders for immediate knockdowns, but don’t mix both at once.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Spider Mites
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Use Spical or Anso-Mite preventively in warm or fluctuating conditions.
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Introduce Spidex at the first signs of infestation.
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Apply Spidend in hotspots with heavy webbing.
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Insecticidal soap, Dr. Doom spray, or diatomaceous earth if not using beneficials.
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Maintain humidity and avoid hot, dry conditions that encourage outbreaks. Misting can also help deter spider mites.
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Always quarantine new plants before adding them to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do spider mites thrive indoors?
They love hot, dry environments and lack natural predators indoors without intervention.
Can I just wash them off my plants?
Rinsing can help temporarily, but it won’t eliminate eggs or hidden mites.
Are spider mites visible to the naked eye?
Yes, but barely. Look for webbing and stippling as early warning signs.
Conclusion
Spider mites can devastate houseplants quickly, but with the right plan, you can stop them. At Urbane Eight, we carry everything you need for a complete integrated pest management strategy—from Koppert’s proven biocontrols to Safer’s Insecticidal Soap, Diatomaceous Earth, and Dr. Doom Indoor Plant Spray.
Shop Urbane Eight today for trusted spider mite solutions and keep your plants thriving year-round.