What Kills Spiders on Ferns?
Home gardeners often find a variety of pests on both indoor and outdoor plants. While gardeners may think spiders are a common pest of ferns, spider mites are most likely to infest these plants. These tiny members of the spider family are often found on ferns and they can damage the health and appearance of the fern through their feeding habits. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Identification
-
Tiny eight-legged pests on ferns are most likely spider mites. Most spider mites are so small they are difficult to spot without a magnifying glass. Spider mites are arachnids that are related to ticks and spiders. These pests damage plants by feeding on them with their special mouthparts they use to extract plant juices from host plants. Certain species of spider mites place silk webbing on the leaves of host plants, which is indicative of heavy spider mite infestation. Glands near the mouth of the mite produces this webbing which causes plants to have a dusty or dirty appearance.
Effects/Diagnosis
-
Shake the branches of your fern over a white sheet of paper. If spider mites are present, they will fall onto the paper. You can also inspect the plant with a magnifying glass for signs of spider mites. Examine the undersides of leaves closely, as this is where spider mites gather and feed in groups. Ferns with spider mite infestations often have leaves that are flecked with white or yellow spots, yellowing of leaves and leaf bronzing. Ferns with severe infestations may be stunted and eventually die.
-
Cultural Control
-
Spider mites are easily knocked from ferns with hard sprays of water from your garden hose. Rinse your ferns two or three times each week for best results. Water treatments are most effective on smaller ferns and light spider mite infestations. Predatory mites and beneficial insects such as lady beetles feed on spider mites and keep populations under control. Avoid using insecticides if beneficial insects or predatory mites are feeding on spider mites on your fern.
Chemical Control
-
Heavy infestations of spider mites often require strong miticides to prevent further damage to your fern. Always apply miticides according to the label directions and apply thoroughly to the entire plant. Concentrate on the undersides of plant leaves where spider mites hide. Miticidal soaps are also available at your local garden center for spider mite control. Check the label for safety warnings on your species of fern. Avoid overuse of insecticides because spider mites often become immune to certain products if they are used repeatedly, which can result in heavier infestations of mites.
-
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
