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Spider Mite Control: The Essential Guide

Introduction to spider mite management

Two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus utricae
Two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus utricae

Spider mites are a persistent problem in both agricultural and horticultural settings. These tiny arachnids feed on plant tissues, causing extensive damage that can lead to reduced yields and even plant death. Effective management is crucial to maintaining plant health and productivity.

Understanding spider mites

Spider mites are common pests that affect a wide range of crops. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is by far the most important species in greenhouses and many outdoor crops. Their great reproductive capacity means that they can destroy plants very rapidly. Additionally, the widespread use of chemical control agents has resulted in the spider mite developing resistance to a wide range of pesticides. Identifying the early signs of spider mite damage, such as stippling on leaves and webbing, is essential for timely intervention.

Damage caused by Two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus utricae
Two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus utricae
Blackberry damage caused by Two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus utricae

Spider mite damage on plants 

Larvae, nymphs and adults of two-spotted spider mites cause damage to the host plant by feeding on plant tissue and plant sap, primarily on the underside of leaves where they pierce the cells and suck out the contents. These dead cells become yellow. As damage increases, whole leaves turn yellow and as the chlorophyll is removed, the leaf, and eventually the whole plant, may die.

Nymphs and adults of spider mites produce webbing in which the mites swarm. With heavy infestations, plants may become completely covered with webs. The webbing affects the leaves appearance of the crop, which is a high concern in ornamental crops.

Natural enemies for spider mite control 

Koppert pioneered the development of natural enemies used for biological pest control of spider mite infestations, enabling growers to safely control spider mites without the use of chemical pesticides. In 1967, Koppert released the first predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, for the control of spider mites on cucumber plants. Today predatory mites still play a pivotal role in successful Integrated Pest Management strategies.

To further support pest management strategies, Koppert produces two additional natural enemies for the control of spider mites. In addition to Phytoseiulus persimilis, Koppert produces the predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus, for added control during high temperatures and low humidity, and the gall midge, Feltiella acarisuga, for hotspot treatment of spider mite populations.

Natural enemies

Feltiella acarisuga Neoseiulus californicus Phytoseiulus persimilis
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Control spider mites with biological solutions

A proactive approach is important when it comes to biological pest control of two-spotted spider mites. Koppert offers a variety of biocontrol products:

Recommendations for spider mite control

  • Integrated Pest Management

    Integrated Pest Management

    Biological control methods reduce the need for chemical pesticides and helps prevent the development of pesticide resistance in spider mite populations. In case chemical interventions are necessary it’s important to check the side effects of pesticides on natural enemies. With our Side Effects App you can easily find how harmful different pesticides are for beneficial organisms.

  • Application of natural enemies

    Application of natural enemies

    Distribution technologies enable a more efficient and effective way of distributing beneficial insects throughout the greenhouse or open field:

  • Combined use of products

    Combined use of products

    • Spidend should always be used in combination with the predatory mite Spidex
    • Spical and Spical-Plus tolerate a range of chemical pesticides
    • Always use Spical and Spical-Plus in conjunction with Spidex