Tomatoes are amongst the most popular fruits in the world. Yes, they are technically considered a fruit, but they are more often cooked as a vegetable. As such, tomatoes are grown all over the globe by farmers looking to turn a profit. Tomatoes are in high demand in the United States and growers are more concerned than ever before about their health. Spider mites are one of the most common pests that a foliar specialist must overcome. With the ability to hinder growth and eventually destroy the crop entirely, recognizing and then eradicating spider mite attacks is critical for the well-being of a tomato harvest.

Even at-home gardeners must understand the intricacies of spider mites. Tomatoes are one of the easiest and most plentiful types of crops available today. As such, many people attempt to grow them at home and are shocked to see a once beautiful homegrown tomato vine-ripe turn to a dying, infested group of plants. Therefore, gardeners and growers alike must take every step possible to prevent a spider mite infestation.

The following tips are essential to protect your tomato plants from spider mite attacks:

• Remove infected plants as soon as possible
• Pay attention to air circulation, particularly in a greenhouse
• Space out your tomato plants with a solid amount of room in between each crop
• Invest in a screen to keep pests, bugs, and insects from infiltrating your crops
• Maintain hydration for your plants at all times
• Before purchasing a tomato plant, check closely for infestations
• Use a magnifying glass to see if spider mites are present, even small amounts – look for any type of movement of eggs or clusters

Protecting your crops from spider mite infestation is no easy feat. However, those growers and gardeners who are able to spot a spider mite attack early on greatly increase their chances of saving the corp. Even more importantly, farmers are encouraged to purchase an organic fertilizer to prevent spider mite attack from starting in the first place.