Spider mites are something that every grower knows about. Even homeowners with a small garden can relate to the number of issues that spider mites bring to the flowers, fruits, and vegetables that are grown there. Spider mites are not much of a problem as a single entity. However, a single spider mite will quickly multiply into a colony of spider mites and at that point in time an attack is imminent and destructive. Spider mites that infiltrate your garden have the potential to destroy entire crops and eventually kill of all of the plants in your garden. As such, it is important for every gardener to really know the ins and outs of spider mites.

Spider mite infestations are the most dangerous in the way that they form. Due to the incredibly small size of a spider mite, it is virtually impossible for the human eye to detect it. However, spider mites produce a fine webbing that is easier for the gardener to detect and makes the presence of spider mites known. Therefore, gardeners must be on the lookout for this webbing to spot it early on, as this webbing is often paired with the beginning phases of plants dying off.

Spider mites will target the plants in your garden because they are seeking the sap that is stored underneath the plant’s leaves and stems. The spider mites seek the nutrition from this sap because they utilize it to survive. Unfortunately, plant survival is also dependent on the nutrients and water stored in the same location. As a result, both the plants and the spider mites are seeking sap that is in limited supply and certainly not enough to sustain both parties.

What typically happens is that gardeners fails to identify the spider mite infestation until it is too late. The plants have been sucked dry of their sap and the leaves become yellow, undernourished, and blotchy. When this is first recognized by the grower, it usually means that the infestation has been occurring for a while and it may be too late to save the harvest. At the end of the day, the best protection against spider mite destruction is prevention. Growers should purchase a spider mite killer that will serve to prevent outbreaks and safeguard their plants.