Damage is usually worse when compounded by water stress. Loss of leaves will not cause yield losses in fruit trees during the year of infestation unless it occurs in spring or very early summer, but it may impact next year's crop. On annual vegetable crops, such as squash, melons, and watermelons, loss of leaves can have a significant impact on yield and lead to sunburning. On crops such as sugar peas and beans, where pods are attacked, spider mites can cause direct damage. On ornamentals, mites are primarily an aesthetic concern, but can kill plants if populations become very high on annual plants.
Spider mites are also important pests of field-grown roses.
Adequate irrigation is important because water-stressed plants are most likely to be damaged. Broad-spectrum insecticide treatments for other pests frequently cause mite outbreaks, so avoid these when possible. Sprays of water, insecticidal oils, or soaps can be used for management. Always monitor before treatment. Monitoring Mites are tiny and difficult to detect.