Mites are almost microscopic and best seen with a hand lens or magnifying glass.
Mites feed by sucking on the underside of leaves and often spin fine webs between leaves and limbs. Like scales and mealybugs, a sticky sap may be present on the plant. To determine mite populations, shake a leaf over a piece of white paper and look for signs of movement on the paper. Insecticidal soaps and regular washings will help limit mite build-ups. Copyright 1995 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.