Tiny White Mites Under Furniture? Probably Not Spider Mites

Spider mites live on plants, not furniture. If you see specks under sofas and tables, they're likely something else—perhaps springtails, booklice, or dust mites. True spider mites are barely visible without magnification and produce fine webbing on leaf undersides.

How to Tell the Difference

• Check all houseplants for webbing, stippled leaves, or tiny moving dots.
• Tap a leaf over white paper; spider mites fall as moving specks.

Safe Cleanup for Non-Plant Mites

1. Wash floors and surfaces with hot, soapy water every 5 days.
2. Follow with a 75% rubbing alcohol / 25% water spray.
3. Vacuum thoroughly and discard the bag.

If You Do Have Spider Mites on Plants

Spray foliage (especially undersides) with strong water jets, then treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days until gone.