What Bugs Eat Spider Mites? Your Ultimate Guide to Biological Pest Control

Spider mites are common garden pests that can get out of hand quickly if you don’t get rid of them. These tiny spiders feed on plant sap and can kill plants, slow their growth, or even lay eggs.

While chemical pesticides may seem like an easy solution, they can harm beneficial insects, contaminate crops, and Spider mites often develop resistance to traditional pesticides. A safer, more sustainable approach is to use beneficial predatory insects that naturally prey on spider mites.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using biological control for spider mite management, including:

What Are Spider Mites?

• Spider mites are not insects but members of the arachnid family along with spiders.

• There are many species, but the most common garden pest is the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae).

• They have eight legs and measure only 1/50 of an inch long when fully grown

• Spider mites can reproduce rapidly in warm conditions, completing their life cycle in as little as a week

• They feed by piercing plant cells with their mouthparts and sucking out the contents, causing yellow speckling, discolored leaves, and wilting

• Heavy infestations can cover plants with webs and cause defoliation.

Why Use Biological Control for Spider Mites?

• Natural predatory mites and insects provide an effective, non-toxic way to suppress spider mite populations.

• Unlike pesticides, pests cannot develop resistance to predation.

• Beneficial predators are safe for humans, plants, and the environment.

• Biological control helps maintain ecological balance in the garden.

• Releasing predators is simple and sustainable. Natural enemies will reproduce and provide ongoing control if habitat and food sources are available.

Top Predatory Insects That Feast on Spider Mites

Several beneficial insects prey on spider mites at different stages of development. Using a combination of predators provides the best control. Common natural enemies include:

Lacewings

Both the larvae and adults of lacewings are voracious predators. Every lacewing larva can eat up to 200 spider mites every week. They also eat mealybugs, leafhoppers, moth eggs, and other bugs with soft bodies. Grow plants like dill, fennel, and angelica that are high in nectar to get them to come to your garden.

Ladybugs

The familiar ladybug beetle is a well-known beneficial insect. Both the young and the adults eat spider mites, aphids, and other small bugs. Every day, one ladybug can eat more than fifty spider mites. Plant pollen and nectar-producing flowers to draw in hungry ladybugs.

Minute Pirate Bugs

These tiny black and white insects have a voracious appetite for mites. Both adults and nymphs inject paralyzing venom and enzymes into their prey, liquefying the internal contents which they then suck out. Minute pirate bugs will also feed on thrips, whiteflies, and other small insects.

Predatory Mites

Several species of predatory mites feed exclusively on spider mites. Phytoseiulus persimilis mites are specialized to hunt spider mites and can consume up to 20 per day. Amblyseius californicus and Amblyseius andersoni also prey on spider mites and can survive when pest populations are low. Releasing predatory mites or mite sachets is an easy and effective biological control solution.

Green Lacewings

Green lacewings are common beneficial insects found in gardens worldwide. The ferocious larvae, sometimes called aphid lions, prey on spider mites as well as aphids, thrips, mealybugs, leafhoppers, and other soft-bodied insects. Support green lacewings by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides and providing nectar plants.

Tips for Using Predatory Insects to Control Spider Mites

To get the most out of using good bugs to get rid of spider mites, do these things:

• Time releases carefully – predators require pest prey to survive. Introduce them after spider mites are observed.

• Mix predators – Choose 2-3 species for the most effective control at all spider mite life stages.

• Follow release rates – Introduce recommended numbers of predators per square footage. Higher pest populations require more predators.

• Consider environmental factors – Heat and drought stress spider mites and predators. Provide shade and water if needed.

• Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides – These will kill beneficials along with pests. Stick to selective products like horticultural oils and soaps.

• Provide habitat – Predators need shelter, water, and alternate food sources like pollen. Plant diverse vegetation to support them.

• Be patient – It takes time for predator populations to establish and bring the pest under control. Avoid disrupting them once released.

Using beneficial insects to biologically control spider mites is an environmentally-friendly, non-toxic solution. By releasing predaceous mites and insects, gardeners can safely knock back spider mite infestations and restore ecological balance.