Whiteflies are also capable of excreting large amounts of honeydew and creating a sticky mess on the upper leaf surfaces of their host plant. Insecticide applications are most effective when timed for the presence of the nymphal and adult stages of the whitefly. Often several applications of insecticide are necessary to control a whitefly population. Spider mites, often called red spiders, are so small they can barely be detected with the unaided eye. These mites are common pests on many different houseplants and seem to be most damaging during periods of hot, dry weather.
Damage appears as bleached-out or yellowish spots on the infested leaves.
Heavily infested plants become stunted and may die. Spider mites have a rapid life cycle under ideal environmental conditions. Populations can explode in a short time. Examine susceptible plants frequently for mites and begin applications of miticides when you first notice the mites. They are often found in high populations on the soil of potted plants or floating in water reservoirs of plant trays.