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Spider Mite Outbreak in indoor arboretum #922782

Asked December 10, 2025, 12:03 PM EST

I have a client with an indoor arboretum of tropical plants. They are experiencing a severe outbreak of spider mites. They regularly spray the leaves with water to wash the mites off but it has been unsuccessful in managing them. What would you recommend for this type of scenario?

Larimer County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Anna, 

Consider the use of biological and chemical controls. There are several commercially available organisms that prey on spider mites, such as predatory mites (Cucumeris and Phytoseilus sp.) and minute pirate bugs.

Pesticides can have an impact on spider mites, but are usually not enough to resolve the problem on their own. Pesticides should not be applied at the same time as biological controls, as the predators are more vulnerable to pesticides than spider mites. Furthermore, you would need a pesticide labeled as a miticide or acaricide, NOT an insecticide. Spider mites do not have the same physiology as insects, and certain insecticides (e.g. imidicloprid, a systemic) can increase spider mite reproduction. Some products have miticidal and insecticidal properties, always read the label for which pests the product controls. This fact sheet lists the pesticides used for spider mite control. 

https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/spider-mites/

Let me know if you have further questions. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 11, 2025, 11:42 AM EST

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