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Spider Mite Treatment by SavATree

Submitted by Harley Workman

Reviewed by Expert

Erik Lindberg, Assistant Director of Plant Health Care

Spider mites are invasive pests and members of the arachnid class, with two types commonly found on properties—the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis). Both can cause significant damage to a wide range of plants and trees.

Signs of a Spider Mite Infestation

Spider mites are nearly microscopic and can be difficult to spot, but recognizing the signs of an infestation can help you identify them. Common signs of spider mite damage include:

  • Stippling: Small yellow or bronze patches on leaves which turn brown over time.
  • Defoliation: Significant loss of leaves, leaving the plant looking sparse.
  • Webbing: Silken threads on the undersides of leaves.

If you notice any of these signs, try the paper test. Place a white sheet of paper beneath a branch from the affected plant and give it a gentle shake. If tiny, crawling dots appear on the paper, it’s a strong indication of a spider mite infestation. Contact a certified arborist right away for proper treatment.

What Causes a Spider Mite Infestation?

Spider mites are often introduced to new areas through infested plants or clippings. They thrive in dry climates, becoming active in early spring and peaking in the summer when warm, arid conditions accelerate their reproduction and spread. Inadequate watering can further weaken the overall health of trees and plants, making them more susceptible to infestation. 

How Do They Harm Your Plant Life?

Spider mites are among the many pests that feed by using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to puncture individual plant cells and extract their contents. This damages chlorophyll-containing cells, disrupting photosynthesis and impairing the plant’s ability to produce energy. Over time, a severe infestation depletes vital nutrients, causing leaves to brown, dry out, and eventually fall.

The two most common spider mite species are nearly identical to the naked eye, but precise identification isn’t essential for effective treatment. While both share similar biology, damage patterns, and management methods, they can often be distinguished by the types of plants they infest.

  • Two-spotted spider mite: Affects a wide range of vegetation, including eggplants, beans, currants, raspberries, pears, and various houseplants.
  • Spruce spider mite: Primarily targets conifers such as spruce, hemlock, arborvitae, fir trees, and junipers.

How to Prevent Spider Mite Infestations

To help prevent spider mite infestations, ensure your trees and shrubs are properly watered and regularly inspected. Routine monitoring can catch problems early and give your arborist a chance to intervene before the mites spread. Early intervention is key to a successful management strategy.

Preventive care is crucial for a healthy landscape. SavATree’s ISA Certified Arborists offer proactive measures like proper pruning, insect management, and adequate watering techniques to boost your property’s overall resistance to pest infestations.

Where to Find Spider Mite Treatment Near You

Spider mites are difficult to eliminate once established, but SavATree's experts can help control populations with targeted treatments. Our ISA Certified Arborists are trained to identify early signs of infestation and implement treatment plans tailored to the needs of your property. We also provide comprehensive insect and mite management programs to protect against a wide variety of pests that may be impacting your landscape. By entrusting your property to our professionals, you can ensure your landscape remains protected against spider mites and other threats.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.

FAQs

  • Spider mites look like tiny, nearly microscopic dots that are difficult to see with the naked eye. You are more likely to notice the damage they cause, including yellow or bronze stippling on leaves, fine silken webbing on leaf undersides, and premature leaf drop. To confirm their presence, try the paper test beneath an affected branch.

  • Getting rid of spider mites on trees and shrubs is difficult once populations are established, which is why professional treatment is recommended. SavATree's ISA Certified Arborists identify early signs of infestation and apply targeted treatments tailored to your property. Proper watering, routine monitoring, and early intervention also help control mites before they spread across your landscape.

  • Spider mites can kill a tree, though healthy, established trees often survive minor infestations. As mites pierce plant cells and drain their contents, they disrupt photosynthesis and deplete vital nutrients. Over time, a severe or untreated infestation causes leaves to brown, dry out, and fall, weakening the tree and leaving it vulnerable to further stress or decline.

  • Spider mites are most active in warm, dry conditions, becoming noticeable in early spring and peaking during the hot summer months. These arid conditions accelerate their reproduction and spread, while inadequate watering weakens trees and shrubs and makes them more susceptible. Regular monitoring throughout the growing season helps catch infestations early, when treatment is most effective.

  • Spider mites attack a wide range of plants and trees, depending on the species. Two-spotted spider mites target vegetation such as eggplants, beans, currants, raspberries, pears, and many houseplants. Spruce spider mites primarily infest conifers, including spruce, hemlock, arborvitae, fir trees, and junipers. Because host preferences differ, identifying affected plants can help pinpoint which mite is present.