Spider Mites

What are spider mites?

Spider mites are a type of garden and landscape pest. Tiny in size, spider mites look like moving dots- adults grow to only about a twentieth of an inch in length. Spider mites live together in colonies with hundreds of individuals. These arachnids have eight legs, an oval body, and two red eyespots near the head. These tiny pests appear yellowish to the human eye but can also be red, brown, or green, depending on environmental conditions. Boise, ID pest control professionals can easily help you identify and control spider mites.

Are spider mites dangerous?

Spider mites are dangerous to plants, not people. In order to feed, spider mites use their specialized sucking mouthparts to suck out the fluids in plant leaves. As they feed, they damage plant leaves, leaving behind yellowish or brown spots on the leave’s surface. Large infestations of these pests can affect plant growth and the number of flowers and crops they produce.

Why do I have a spider mite problem?

A wide variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, weeds, fruits, and crops can act as a food source for spider mites. Any Idaho property with gardens, trees, and flower beds is susceptible to problems with spider mites.

Where will I find spider mites?

Spider mites prefer hot, dry areas to feed, and therefore plants along roadways and at the edge of garden spaces (indoor or outdoor) are favorite gathering spots. These pests are highest in number during the summer and early fall when there is plenty of warmth and food for them to take advantage of. Many spider mites produce webbing to protect both themselves and their eggs from predators and harsh environmental conditions. Finding webbing on plants in your gardens indicates you may have a problem with these pests on your property.

How do I get rid of spider mites?

If you are experiencing problems with spider mites, reach out for help from the professionals at Owyhee Environmental. We are a local pest control company that understand the pest pressures our local customers experience every day. Using a low-impact approach and high-quality products, we provide long-lasting solutions you can trust. We are dedicated to offering Idaho families affordable pest solutions. If you are experiencing problems with spider mites on your Boise or Meridian area property, call Owyhee Environmental today!

How can I prevent spider mites in the future?

At Owyhee Environmental, to help you prevent problems with spider mites, we've put together a list of prevention tips that will make your property less attractive to these pests:

• Keep plants and trees on your property healthy and well-watered.
• Inspect plants for spider mites or their webbing before purchasing them.
• If you see spider mites on your plants, use a hose to spray the leaves and dislodge them.
• Invite helpful insects like ladybugs to your gardens that feed on spider mites and other damaging garden pests.

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