How do I inspect plants for early spider mite detection?

To detect spider mites early, a systematic inspection of the plant leaves is required. It is best to look for them on the undersides, where they live, using instruments with a 10x magnification. You will, e.g., see discoloration, pale green or yellow, with little lines or streaks about the size of the point of a ten-cent coin. In my own greenhouse, I look for these insects every Sunday morning to prevent further injury.

Perfect yourself in studying leaves. Hold leaves to the light to see the stippling. Shake the leaves over white paper, and the red spider mites will drop on it. I open up the hard places with my dental mirrors. I take a photograph of the leaves with the date on it to show their progress.

Quarantining new plants is important. Please put them in different rooms, utilizing various tools from your main garden. Check on them daily, noting any yellowing, speckling, etc. My quarantine station has dedicated magnifiers to prevent cross-contamination, which has successfully kept mites out of my collection three times last year.

Recognize mite movement patterns. Healthy plants have random insect movement. Infested plants have concentrated groups feeding. I look for groups of dots around the veins of leaves. This difference in behavior between the two groups helps us distinguish mites from beneficial insects early in our inspection.

React quickly to any positive reports. Remove diseased plants, use spray irrigation, and introduce predators. My detection kit includes sticky traps for confirming the presence of the pest. Weekly inspections are necessary to minimize treatment by catching mites before they complete their reproduction cycles.

Read the full article: Ultimate Spider Mite Control Guide