How to Identify Spider Mites

Spider mites are about the size of a period on this page, but they can represent large problems for plants. These pests will latch onto plants and drain them of their vital juices, killing them in the manner of a mythic vampire slaying its victim. You can confirm an infestation with the following steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piece of white paper
• Magnifying lens

1. Shake an affected leaf over a piece of white paper. If any of the dust specks that fall on the paper move, they are probably mites.

2. Isolate the plant at the first sign of infestation. The mites will easily spread to infect other plants if you are not careful.

3. Use a magnifying lens to identify the creatures as mites. Mites are arachnids in the same family as ticks and spiders, and they will resemble miniature ticks from under the lens.

4. Compare the mites you found to a picture (see Resources below). Once you identify the pests as spider mites, treat them as recommended by your local nursery.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat your plants soon to prevent them from dying.
• Do not leave your infested plant near other plants, or the infestation will likely spread.