spider mite
nounDefinition of spider mite
: any of various small web-spinning mites (family Tetranychidae) that include destructive pests of plants
— called also
red spider
Examples of spider mite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Apply a general-purpose insecticide labeled for spider mites to control them. — Neil Sperry, San Antonio Express-News, "Once vincas succumb to fungus, that bed is dead to them," 22 June 2018 If the plants are not infested with spider mites, they can be recycled into the compost pile. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, "It’s early, but you may want to pull your tomatoes now," 22 June 2018 MacDonald described a crop that was infected with powdery mildew from the beginning and later was infested with spider mites and other pests. — Michael Dresser, Washington Post, "Regulators investigate Maryland medical marijuana grower for alleged pesticide use," 10 July 2018 Watch for spider mites turning leaves tan with tiny mottling and eventually very fine webs. — Neil Sperry, star-telegram, "The tough half of the gardening marathon is ahead. Here's how to finish strong," 6 July 2018 Spruce spider mites prefer cool weather and are active now. — Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, "Garden Q&A: Spruce spider mites prefer cool weather and are active now," 10 May 2018 Tiny spider mites cause yellow-stippled leaves; control these pests by knocking them off the plant with a spray of water. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "The Secret To Growing The Most Flavorful Eggplants," 13 Apr. 2017 All parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested –– except, alas, for such pests as cabbage worms, spider mites, aphids and whiteflies. — R. Daniel Foster, latimes.com, "What a showoff: Ghostly Brugmansia delivers spectacular garden blooms," 22 June 2018 For spider mites, look for a houseplant insecticide that is labeled for food crops. — Kym Pokorny, OregonLive.com, "How to grow Meyer lemons in the Northwest," 25 Apr. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spider mite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on spider mite
What made you want to look up spider mite? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
-
- Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
A mythological/etymological mashup!
Take the quiz -
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
Words to improve your Scrabble game
Take the quiz -
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share spider mite
Resources for spider mite