Spider Mites on Herbs and Garden Plants: Spot Them Early and Eliminate Them Fast

Your plants look dusty, weak, and their leaves have tiny yellow dots. Look closer—if you see fine webbing and minuscule red or brown moving dots, it’s a sign you’ve got spider mites. These sap-sucking pests thrive in hot, dry conditions and can kill plants quickly if left unchecked.

Let’s break down how to stop them before they spread.

What Are Spider Mites?

Spider mites are tiny arachnids, not insects, that feed on plant sap. They are often invisible without a magnifying glass, but their damage is obvious.

They spin silky webbing under and between leaves as they feed and reproduce.

Plants they commonly infest:

• Basil

• Tomatoes

• Strawberries

• Rosemary

• Beans

• Indoor ornamentals

Signs of Spider Mite Infestation

• Tiny yellow or white speckles (stippling) on leaves

• Leaves curling or turning bronze

• Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves

• Leaves drying out or falling off

• Very small moving dots—red, yellow, or greenish mites

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites

1. Isolate the Plant Immediately
   Prevent spread to nearby herbs or vegetables.

2. Blast with Water
   Use strong water pressure to dislodge mites from leaves and webs.

3. Spray Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soap
   Apply thoroughly every 3 days for 2–3 weeks. Don’t forget leaf undersides.

4. Introduce Predatory Mites
   Natural enemies like Phytoseiulus persimilis will eat spider mites fast.

5. Trim Severely Affected Areas
   Remove badly damaged leaves or stems and dispose of them far away.

Preventive Measures

• Keep humidity higher—mites hate moisture

• Regularly mist or hose down plants (especially in dry heat)

• Avoid over-fertilizing—lush, tender growth attracts them

• Inspect new plants carefully before placing them near others