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What Should I Do About Spider Mites In My House In Aiken?

August 21, 2023

Having plants around the house can make your space feel more inviting, cleaner, and more beautiful. But when those plants become infested with pests and insects, your little oasis can quickly start to feel less like paradise and more like an annoyance. 

Spider mites are some of the more common pests homeowners may encounter on their plants, but it's possible to deal with them with help from your Aiken spider mite control specialists here at JPS. Here's what you need to know about these tiny spiders and what you can do about an active infestation.

spider mites on plant

What Are Spider Mites?

Spider mites are small arachnids that spin webs on plants both inside and outside the house. These small pests typically hide on the underside of leaves where they're less visible and less likely to be threatened by would-be predators. They feed on the moisture inside plants, biting the leaves to suck out the juice. Over time, their feeding activities can cause leaves to turn yellow and die, putting a strain on the rest of your plant. 

Spider mites love warm, dry environments, making them more active in winter when your heating system is running full tilt. 

So, what do spider mites in Aiken look like? These tiny arachnids are so small that many people won't see them unless they get close to the leaves of their plants. If you're trying to determine if you have spider mites on plants, check for these characteristics: 

  • Spider mites have eight legs.
  • Most are reddish brown to dark brown.
  • They grow to less than 1/20 of an inch in length by adulthood.
  • They spin thin, wispy webs that are typically visible to the naked eye.

Keep in mind that you may need to use a magnifying glass to tell if you have mites or another type of pest.

Can Spider Mites Harm Humans?

Luckily, spider mite bites are not harmful to humans or animals. In fact, it's highly unlikely that these mites will bite you or your pets. Instead, spider mites typically only chew on plants as they feed. They're not known to carry diseases, but they can hurt your plants and cause them to die prematurely, making your landscaping look less impactful and forcing you to get rid of the plants you love.  

How Can I Prevent Spider Mites On My Plants?

Often, saving your plants after seeing the signs of spider mites can be difficult at best. That's why it's important to try to prevent infestations in the first place. Here are a few tips to help:

  • Inspect new plants before bringing them into your house.
  • Spray down infected plants with a steady jet of water to remove the mites from the leaves.
  • Prune your plants regularly to control growth and keep your plants healthier.

These tips should help prevent future spider mite infestations. But if you need to deal with an active spider mite problem, you'll want to call a pest control expert.

What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Spider Mites Completely?

The best way to get rid of spider mites once and for all is to work with a home pest control specialist in Aiken like the team at JPS. Our dedicated technicians understand what to look for when checking your home and property for spider mites and get a better understanding of the full extent of the infestation. Once we know how severe the problem is, we can treat your property to help eliminate living mites and prevent new ones from taking up residence in your plants. 

If you're ready to give your plants a helping hand, contact JPS today to schedule an inspection.

Tags: spider mites | spider mite control | spider mite prevention |