spider mite

noun

: 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 Pests and Problems Aphids are the most common insect gardeners encounter on Easter lilies, although spider mites, thrips, and scale are occasional visitors. Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2024 The culprits here are sucking insects such as leaf hoppers, aphids, thrips, chilli thrips, leaf miners or spider mites. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 Without their natural outdoor predators, tinier creatures like aphids, thrips and spider mites can become very difficult to control if not managed aggressively, said Hannah Burrack, an ecologist who specializes in pest management at Michigan State University. Melina Walling, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2023 If the soil is overly dry, spider mites may attack, but a mild insecticidal soap treats these pests. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2023 Wash the leaves periodically to maintain a glossy shine and to remove any spider mites, which can sometimes trouble this plant. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2023 Tiny spider mites will leave small dots on foliage and can often be detected from webbing on the plant. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2023 Use a sharp spray of water to rinse leaves of dust, dirt, aphids, white flies and spider mites, whose presence is evident by tiny webs on leaves and stems. - Plant spring-blooming bulbs that are dormant now. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023 The larvae also consume other soft-bodied prey, including mealybugs, scales, chilli thrips, thrips, leafhoppers, and spider mites and their eggs. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spider mite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spider mite was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near spider mite

Cite this Entry

“Spider mite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spider%20mite. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spider mite

noun
: any of various mites that spin webs and include some that attack plants

called also red spider

More from Merriam-Webster on spider mite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!