Beat the Spider Mites Before They Take Over Your Plants

Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that live on the undersides of leaves and suck out plant juices. You'll notice tiny yellow or white speckles, webbing between leaves, and leaves that look faded or scorched. If you don't catch them early, they can wipe out your plants fast.

To prevent infestations, regularly spray your plants with water—mites hate humidity. Keep your plants dust-free, and isolate any new plants before adding them to your garden. You can also plant herbs like dill or coriander to attract mite-eating predators.

If you already have spider mites, try a mix of water and mild dish soap to spray them off. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are great organic options. For a heavy infestation, introduce predatory mites (yes, bugs that eat bad bugs!). Stay on it for a week or two, and your plants will recover beautifully.