Red spider mite is a common UK pest, especially in hot, dry conditions and under cover such as greenhouses, conservatories, and sheltered patios.
How to Spot It
- Pale speckling or yellowing on leaves
- Dry, dusty-looking foliage
- Fine webbing on leaf undersides
- Leaves may drop in bad cases
Why It Appears
Red spider mite loves:
- Warm, dry air
- Stressed or under-watered plants
- Still conditions with poor air flow
What Helps
- Water plants well and don’t let them dry out
- Increase humidity by misting leaves (especially underneath)
- Gently hose plants to knock mites off
- Remove badly affected leaves
Biological Control
A natural and chemical-free option is biological control:
- Use predatory mites (such as Phytoseiulus persimilis)
- These beneficial insects feed on red spider mite
- Best used early, as soon as mites are spotted
- Most effective in warm conditions
Biological controls are ideal for greenhouses and are safe for people, pets, and pollinators.
Top Tip
Healthy, well-watered plants are far less likely to suffer. Regular checks and early action make red spider mite much easier to control.
