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Spider mites are very tiny, usually red, bugs that damage leaves causing yellow speckles.
Identify the problem Spider mites (also known as garden mites), including European red mite, two spotted spider mite, cyclamen mite and clover mite are very tiny pests (less than 1mm) that chew through leaves leaving a speckled appearance and pale leaves. They are so small they are only just visible to the naked eye. The red colour of the red spider mite and clover mite makes them a little easier to see. Under a lens it can be seen that they have eight legs and resemble a very small spider. They are members of the Arachnida class which include spiders.
Spider mites often produce webbing as protection from predators and this is a sign of infestation.
Spider mites can be difficult to control. Infested leaves later harden and become pale and bronzed. Under favourable conditions, mite populations build up rapidly. Early recognition and action are essential if you are to avoid problems.
Mites are most active when conditions are warm and dry. It is a regular pest of many plants indoors but can also infest berry fruits, roses, fruit trees.
How to solve the problem To get rid of spider mites follow these steps:
Did you know? Spider mites are members of the Acari (mite) family. They have eight legs, like spiders, and are related to the spiders. Spider mites tend to become a problem in hot dry weather. In optimal conditions populations can explode with a single mature female giving rise to millions of mites with a month.
The common species of red spider mite (family Tetranychidae) found in New Zealand are:
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