Spider Mite Research Paper

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Pages: 5

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites

Common to North America, the spider mite likes to attack indoor and outdoor plants. They are technically considered a part of the arachnid family and can cause significant damage to greenhouse plants. They live in colonies along the bottom of leaves. Once they latch onto the leaf, they pierce the tissue and suck up the plant fluid. Afterward, you may notice feeding marks that look like light dots. Infestations can quickly develop if the spider mites are not quickly treated for.

What do Spider Mites Look Like?

Spider mites are oval in shape and about the size of a period at the end of a sentence. They are normally pale or reddish brown in color and love dry, hot conditions. While it may be hard to see the mites,
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Homes are often quite dry, which makes it more likely to become infested. For a safe, easy treatment, mix water and liquid soap in a spray bottle. Mist the plants twice a week to keep the spider mites at bay. You will also want to remove any dead leaves and water frequently to prevent the mites from coming back. If you have extra time, wash the plant twice a month in the sink or outside to brush off any mites that may remain.

Natural Remedies for Spider Mites

To treat spider mites naturally, try using the following techniques:

Rosemary: Blend rosemary essential oil with water or buy a rosemary-oil based pesticide. Rosemary is known for deterring spider mites, and it is not harmful to the plant or beneficial predatory mites.

Neem Oil: Created from the seeds of the neem tree, neem oil is excellent at deterring pests like spider mites. As long as you use neem oil correctly, you can get safe, natural results. Ideally, spray the plants in the evening so that they will stay dark for at least five hours. Neem oil can be sprayed every three days for three weeks until the spider mites have been completely removed. If you are making the solution at home, mix two tablespoons of neem oil into one gallon of water. You can also buy pre-made neem oil solutions at most gardening