Spider Mites on Marigolds

The marigold plant attracts spider mites.

Marigold plants are natural insect deterrents. Many gardeners plant these flowers to keep insects and nematodes away from their gardens. Unlike other insects, however, spider mites are attracted to marigold plants.

Identification

Spider mites are very small -- about the size of a period at the end of a sentence. To see the mites, hold a piece of white paper under a marigold leaf or branch. Shake the branch and look for the spider mites on the paper.

Features

A marigold plant infested with spider mites will develop fine, wispy spider webs on the plant.

Effects

Spider mite infestations can cause severe damage to marigold plants. The marigold leaves turn silver as a result of the spider mites sucking the nutrients from the leaves. Left unchecked, spider mites will eventually kill the plant.

Warning

Do not use commercial insecticides on spider mites. Spider mites are becoming resistant to commercial insecticides, and using an insecticide will kill insects that are natural enemies of spider mites.

Solution

Spider mites do not like moisture. You can control spider mite infestations by spraying the marigold plants with water every day.

References

• Golden Harvest Organics: Companion Planting
• FloridaGardener.com: Red Spider Mites
• PlantTalk Colorado: Marigold