So you think you have spider mites...

Lots of plant parents will panic at the sight of webbing on their plant and immediately chuck the plant out assuming it’s succumbed to a colony of spider mites.

But what if it’s just a normal house spider that’s turned your plant into a trap to catch its prey? How can you tell the difference between spider mite and normal spider webbing?

Here’s a few pointers.

Appearance and Texture

One of the first clues to distinguish between spider mite webbing and spider webs is their appearance and texture.

Spider mite webbing tends to be much finer and appears as delicate, almost translucent threads.

In contrast, spider webs are typically thicker, stronger, and often have a three-dimensional, tangled structure.

If the web looks flimsy and appears to be draped over your plant like a thin veil, you might be dealing with spider mite webbing.

Location

The location of the webbing can also provide essential information.

Spider mites tend to spin their webs on the underside of leaves and between plant branches. They choose concealed spots to hide from predators and stay close to their food source.

Spider webs, on the other hand, are often found in more open areas, with spiders positioning their webs to catch prey as it wanders into their trap.

Spider webbing will travel longer distances across different leaves whereas spider mite webbing will be concentrated under a single leaf or branch until they slowly spread to the rest of the plant.

Damage to Plant

Spider mite webbing is often associated with visible damage to your houseplants. These tiny arachnids are notorious for piercing plant cells and feeding on their sap. As they damage the plant, you may notice yellowing leaves, stippling, and a general decline in plant health.

Spider webs created by spiders, on the other hand, do not directly harm the plant. Spiders are generally considered beneficial to your indoor garden, as they help control insect pests.

Movement

If you observe closely, you can often tell the difference by watching for movement within the webbing.

Spider mites are arachnids, but they are tiny and almost impossible to see without a magnifying glass. However, if you gently tap a leaf or disturb the webbing, you may notice the minuscule spider mites scurrying about.

Spider webs spun by spiders, on the other hand, will be home to the spider itself, which can usually be spotted relatively easily.

Behaviour

Spiders are territorial creatures, so their webs remain stationary unless they decide to abandon them.

Spider mites, on the other hand, may spin new webbing as they migrate across your plant. If you notice an ever-expanding network of fine webbing, it's more likely to be spider mites.

By paying attention to the appearance, location, damage, movement, and behaviour of the webbing, you can accurately identify and address the issue. In doing so, you'll help your houseplants thrive and coexist peacefully with the resident spiders or, if needed, combat the tiny but troublesome spider mites.