Information on White & Black Spider Mites

Spider mites, which can come in a variety of colors including black and white, are common plant pests that can kill plants such as shrubs and crops, as well as flowering fruit and spruce trees, across the United States.

Common Characteristics

Black and white spider mites start out as six-legged larvae and progress to the eight-legged adult. These mites can reach maturity in as short a time as a week, which means their numbers can increase rapidly and damage plants quickly.

Two-Spotted Spider Mite

The two-spotted spider mite is the most common type of spider mite and can infect numerous types of plants, vegetables, fruits and flowers. The two-spotted spider mite spins webs under leaves and branches and thrives during the spring months.

Monitoring and Controlling

You can hold a piece of white cardboard under a branch and strike it to see if any spider mites fall onto the cardboard. Leaves and branches will show yellow or white spots where the spider mites have eaten the chlorophyll. Spraying water on leaves, using pesticides on heavier concentrations of spider mites and using oils and soaps can prevent the mites from feeding on plants.

References

• University of Kentucky: College of Agriculture: Spider Mites on Landscape Plants
• Colorado State University: Spider Mites
• University of Connecticut: Integrated Pest Management: Spider Mites