ScientificName: Tetranychus urticae

Description: Extremely small (1/100-inch), reddish bodies with eight legs.

Habitat/Food: Almost any plant that is stressed is open to infestation by spider mites. They suck the juice from plants, destroying foliage and leaving a fine web all over the infected area.

Life Cycle: Eggs are laid at the base of plants and they only live for a few days.

Organic Control: Neem, hot pepper wax, citrus oils, and other plant oil based products work well.

Interesting Fact: One reason that spider mites become a problem is insecticides that kill their natural predators.