How far can spider mites travel?

Question

I had an infected rubber plant on a window sill, and it didn't seem like the spider mites had spread to the other plants on the same window sill. I removed the rubber plant, but should I be concerned about the others? What about plants on another window sill in the same room, can spider mites travel that far?

Answer 1

Joe,

I was shocked to learn that these tiny little pests can actually travel for miles, and not even break a sweat!

Spider mites actually get around quite well!  They make spider webs, and not all of the strands of a web are for catching dinner.  

The strands are 'as light as air'  well, almost, and can be born on the wind, which is only one of many ways these tiny but very damaging insects get around to fresh plants. Scientists have even noticed large amounts of spider mites infesting a new neighborhood after hitching a ride on a cloud! sounds like science fiction, doesn't it!

Spider mites also like to hitch a ride on your sweater, the dog's fur, the lace doily, the paper towel you used to wipe up the overflowing water from the pot basin...  In order to survive in our human environments, animals and insects, as well as bacteria and fungi, all must be adaptable to many situations.

By the way, many species of spider mites multiply like crazy in a warm and dry environment, and they can also be an indication of a plant that is not in optimum health.

I'll let you decide which came first - the sick plant or the spider mites!

My answer is, yes they get around, and you need to pay close attention to your other plants, both inside and outside.

Good luck and and may your green thumb always bring you joy!

Answer 2

Yes, they can. You should apply a prevention treatment n the other flowers.