
The preventative use of chemical sprays can damage lots of beneficial insects – so it’s best to avoid these. This not only prevents frost-related cracks, but also decimates overwintering pests.Įncourage assassin bugs, ground beetles, ladybugs and green lacewings as important natural predators in a natural garden. When it comes to fruit trees, trunk care in fall is an important preventative measure: Get rid of any loose bark with a handheld hoe, then apply a whitewash, such as an organic tree paint. Furthermore, you should ensure each plant is in the ideal location for its needs. Caution: a very nitrogen-rich fertilizer will soften the leaf tissue, making it more vulnerable. Ensure balanced, potassium-rich fertilization, as this will strengthen the plant’s tissue and increase its resilience against pests. Bean frames, obelisks and trellises should be thoroughly cleaned after use, as they often serve as winter homes for these pests.Īs spider mites generally prefer to infest weakened or stressed plants, you can usually prevent infestation through good care. So, air your greenhouse or cold frame regularly. A mulch layer can help keep soil retain moisture for longer. A sufficient water supply is also urgently necessary to tackle dryness. This method is especially helpful in closed rooms, such as greenhouses. In summer, regular airing and increased humidity through regular spraying with water can help reduce spider mite activity. The spruce spider mite also causes gray-green discoloration and large webs on the plant’s needles. The small pests can also infect plants with dangerous viruses. Spider mites also damage plants due to their toxic saliva.

Finally, the leaves begin to roll and die off. The puncture marks take on a slightly silvery shimmer as the light hits them, later often turning light gray to bronze in color. Spider mites suck cells from leaves, creating a mottled look on the tops and undersides of leaves. Another characteristic of a spider mite infestation is a multitude of tiny, light dots on the leaves, which can appear from spring to fall outdoors or all year round on houseplants or greenhouse plants. Unlike most other spider mite species, the European red mite hardly weaves any webs. Plant lovers can, for example, spot spider mites by fine webs in leaf axils and leaf edges.

As spider mites are often below 0.04 inches in size, depending on the species, they are usually first spotted by their webs and the damage on the infested plants.
