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By: Spider Mites
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| Monday, 15-Aug-2011 08:58 |
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Signs of Spider Mite Infestation
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Signs of Spider Mite Infestation
Spider mite infestation is a common problem in most developed countries around the world. You may even know of friends or relatives who have experienced it for themselves. But do you know the signs? Do you know what to look for to identify your own infestation?
It's often said that early detection is the best treatment for most major illnesses. If that's true, the same can certainly be said when it comes to infestations of the common spider mite. These little pests come in hundreds of different varieties and can wreak havoc on ornamental plants, home gardens, or just about any other vegetation they find appetizing. The key to preventing a major infestation of your own is to look for the telltale signs that one has already begun.
The Biggest Problem with Early Detection
The biggest difficulty with early detection of spider mites has to do with their size. The average adult is no larger than 1mm in diameter and can appear like a small speck of dirt or rust on a plant leaf. It's not until you investigate further, or you start seeing the damage they do to your plants, that you realize you have a problem on your hands. But there is a way to check for spider mites even in this early stage - and it's very simple to do.
You start by turning over the leaves of your plants and looking for these small dark spots. Although spider mites can vary in color, the most common species are dark brown or rust-colored. If you see little spots that resemble dirt you can investigate further by using the "white paper" test. You conduct this test by holding a piece of plain, white paper underneath the plant leaves. Then gently tap the stem or the plant leaves until the specks drop to the paper. If they are merely dirt they will remain stationary; if they are spider mites they will move around the paper.
Other Signs to Look For
If you did not successfully check for spider mite in the early stages of infestation you should begin to see further signs as the infestation progresses. One of the first things you'll notice are small areas of discoloration on your plants leaves. This is because the spider mite feeds by piercing the surface of the leaf and sucking the sap from individual cells. As of those cells die they discolored. What you're looking for is a discoloration that could appear bronze-colored, greenish-yellow, or pale gray.
You should also begin to see flecks across the surface of the plant leaves as well as overall loss of plant vitality. If an infestation is allowed to go on too long, you'll eventually see leaves dropping prematurely as well as entire sections of the plant wasting away. Should you reach the advanced stages of a spider might infestation there will undoubtedly be fine, silky webs spun between different sections of a single plant, or even between the several plants.
The Spider Mite's Web
The web that is spun by the spider mite is where this little creature gets its name. This web allows for two important functions that help the infestation continue to progress. First, it provides an easy means of transportation to and from different sections of the plant. But second, and more important, it provides a safe place for the adult spider might to lay her eggs. Since the eggs are transparent for most of their cycle, they are hard to detect in the webbing until they are almost ready to hatch.
One other thing to note about spider mite webbing is the fact that it is so fine it is hard to see without the use of some sort of back lighting. If you notice some of the other earlier signs of spider mite infestation you might do well to check for webs by using a small flashlight or table lamp. Have someone stand behind the plant and hold the light near the leaves, while you stand in front and look for webs. If you find them, make sure to knock them down right away and commence with a treatment program as soon as possible.
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