Spider mites

Yellow dots under leaves and fine webbing.

Updated on 2026-07-17

Overview

The spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a <0.5 mm mite that colonizes fast in hot, dry environments. It sucks sap causing yellow stippling and weaves fine webs between leaves.

Differential diagnosis

Fine webs + yellow dots = mites. Black dots = thrips. White dots = whitefly.

Natural remedies

Strong shower with the plant upside-down. 3% potassium soft soap every 5 days. Raise humidity above 60%.

Treatments

2% neem oil every 7 days for 3 weeks straight to break the life cycle.

Prevention

High humidity and quarantine of new plants.