Spider Mites on Ficus: Diagnosis and Control

After a 6-week vacation, Joyce's ficus shows fine webbing, a curled leaf, and 75% of leaves have a clear sticky coating (honeydew). She suspects spider mites.

Confirming Spider Mites

• Check leaf undersides for tiny moving specks.
• Tap a branch over white paper—moving "dust" confirms mites.
• Sticky leaves result from sap leaking from mite feeding sites.

Treatment Steps

1. Take plant outside or to shower; spray vigorously, targeting leaf undersides to dislodge mites.
2. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil labeled for houseplants.
3. Inspect all other houseplants—mites often spread.