Take one creepy crawly word that makes you shudder and add another icky one, and you get spider mites.
You can’t exactly spot them crawling across your patio — these tiny pests are barely visible to the naked eye. But the damage they cause? That’s a different story.
So what do spider mites look like? How do you know if you have them? And what should you do before they take over your favorite shrubs?
Let’s take a close look.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plants by piercing their leaves and sucking out the juices. They’re hard to see without a magnifying glass, but their damage can be devastating.
They tend to live in colonies and gather on the underside of leaves, especially during hot, dry weather.
Ironically, if you’ve used chemical insecticides in the past, you might be more vulnerable to spider mites — pesticides can kill the beneficial bugs that normally keep spider mites in check.
Spider mites thrive in dry, dusty conditions and often show up in the heat of summer. Common causes include:
They spread easily from plant to plant and can quickly establish a colony.
Want to catch spider mites before they cause serious damage? Here’s what to look for:
Early infestations cause tiny white or yellow spots on leaves, where mites have pierced the surface to feed.
Look under leaves and along stems for delicate, silky webbing. This is a telltale sign you’ve got a spider mite colony setting up shop.
If you look closely (or use a magnifying glass), you may see tiny red, brown, or yellow mites moving slowly across the underside of leaves.
As the infestation grows, so does the damage:
A large spider mite population can seriously weaken shrubs, trees, and even lawn areas.
Here’s the tricky part: regular insecticides don’t work on spider mites. That’s because they’re not true insects — they’re arachnids, like ticks and scorpions.
Instead, try one of these approaches:
Pro tip: Always follow application guidelines. Using the wrong product or timing it poorly can stress your plants or reduce effectiveness.
The best way to stop spider mites? Don’t give them the conditions they love.
A healthy, well-maintained plant is your best defense.
Spider mite problems can sneak up fast — and once they’re established, they can be tough to control.
That’s why homeowners across Idaho Falls and the Boise area count on Lawn Buddies for reliable spider mite control and complete plant health care services.
Our Plant Health Care Services, including targeted spider mite control, can be added to your Complete Lawn Care Program. That means one easy plan for weed control, fertilization, grub control, and spider mite prevention — without the hassle.
Are spider mites dangerous to people or pets?
No, they’re not harmful to humans or animals — but they can seriously damage your plants.
Can spider mites kill plants?
Yes, severe infestations can cause leaf drop and long-term stress that leads to plant decline or death.
Do spider mites go away in the winter?
They may become dormant in cold weather, but many survive until spring.
What are the best treatments for spider mites?
Miticides or horticultural oils are most effective. Always follow label instructions.
Tired of guessing what’s eating your plants? Let Lawn Buddies help you take control.
We’ll create a customized plant health program that includes everything your yard needs — including spider mite control, lawn fertilization, and more.
Get started today: fill out our get started form, call us at (208) 656-9131, or explore our Plant Health Care Services online.
With Lawn Buddies, your landscape is in good hands — and spider mites don’t stand a chance.
Image Source: spider mites, spider mite on leaf