Natural Pest Control: Predatory Insects and Mites That Feast on Spider Mites

Spider mites are a common garden pest that damage plants by sucking out sap and chlorophyll from leaves and stems Left uncontrolled, heavy infestations can severely weaken, stunt, or even kill plants

While miticides or insecticides are one control option, these chemicals can harm populations of beneficial insects A safer, more eco-friendly approach is using natural predators to curb spider mites

In this article, we’ll look at key predators you can use for biological control of spider mites. Releasing or attracting these beneficial bugs provides free pest control from Mother Nature!

Why Use Natural Enemies for Spider Mite Control?

Introducing biological control agents like predatory mites and insects has several advantages over chemical pesticides:

• Targets pests specifically – Predators zero in on spider mites for food while avoiding beneficial and pollinator species. Chemical sprays kill indiscriminately.

• No pest resistance – Unlike pesticides that spider mites can develop resistance to over time, they cannot adapt to predation.

• Safe for people/pets – Natural predators pose no toxicity risks compared to chemical miticides and insecticides.

• Sustainable long-term control – Once established, predators provide ongoing control versus one-time pesticide applications.

• Compatible with IPM programs – Natural enemies integrate seamlessly into integrated pest management systems.

Using nature’s own spider mite controllers is easy, safe, and effective pest control. Keep reading to discover the top predatory species for unleashing on spider mites!

Predatory Mites That Feast on Spider Mites

Several species of predatory mites offer excellent biological control of spider mites. The most common commercially available ones include:

Phytoseiulus persimilis

• Feeding habits – Adults consume up to 20 spider mites per day and live for 2-3 weeks.

• Appearance – Tiny orange mites about the size of spider mites. Move quickly.

• Use tips – Ideal for hotspots; apply 1 predator per 10 pest mites. Requires humidity above 60%.

Neoseiulus californicus

• Feeding habits – Feeds on 3-5 mites per day. Also eats pollen. Longer lifespan than other predatory mites.

• Appearance – Small, pear-shaped, and pale orange in color.

• Use tips – Tolerates lower humidity and wider temperature range than other species. Release preventatively.

Amblyseius swirskii

• Feeding habits – Consumes young spider mites but also feeds on thrips and whiteflies.

• Appearance – Tiny, pale cream colored mites.

• Use tips – Versatile generalist predator for greenhouses. Establishes well due to pollen feeding.

Amblyseius andersoni

• Feeding habits – Feeds exclusively on spider mites, russet mites, and broad mites.

• Appearance – Small, pear-shaped mites that are translucent white to pale yellow.

• Use tips – Ideal for cooler greenhouse temperatures down to 50°F (10°C).

Predatory Insects That Attack Spider Mites

Along with predatory mites, several beneficial insects prey on spider mites. Common natural enemies include:

Minute Pirate Bugs

• Feeding habits – Tiny black and white bugs that pierce spider mite bodies with their piercing-sucking mouthparts.

• Appearance – Very small (1-5mm) black insects with white markings on wings and legs. Move quickly like ants.

• Use tips – Naturally occur in gardens. Attract by avoiding dust and spraying pesticides.

Ladybird Beetles (Ladybugs)

• Feeding habits – Adults and larvae consume substantial amounts of spider mites daily.

• Appearance – Hemispherical beetles about 1⁄4 inch long with red/orange wings, usually with spots.

• Use tips – Release or attract ladybugs into gardens and greenhouses to patrol for spider mites.

Green Lacewings

• Feeding habits – Lacewing larvae devour spider mites using their large piercing mandibles.

• Appearance – Larvae are alligator-shaped light brown insects. Adults have pale green lacy wings.

• Use tips – Use larvae for quicker spider mite control. Avoid pesticide use which harms lacewings.

Dustywings

• Feeding habits – Nimble larvae pursue and feed on spider mites. Adults also contribute.

• Appearance – Tiny grayish-white insects covered in waxy powder that resembles dust.

• Use tips – Naturally thrive in greenhouse settings. Allow them to establish rather than spraying.

Getting Started with Natural Enemies

When beginning a biological spider mite control program, here are some tips:

• Inspect plants closely to identify spider mites before releasing predators. Their presence is required for predators to establish well.

• Start applications early before spider mite populations explode. It’s much easier to maintain control than tackle major infestations.

• Introduce predators in hot spots or heavily infested areas first so they can get right to work.

• Maintain higher humidity levelspreferred by many predatory mites. Avoid extremely dry conditions.

• Periodically release additional predators as needed to replenish populations that naturally decline over time.

With a proper release strategy tailored to your growing environment, predatory mites and insects offer a sustainable, ecologically sound way to keep spider mites in check. Avoid disruptive pesticide sprays and let these beneficial bugs do the work for you!