Trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and even lawns may host a small population of spider mites without serious damage. Spider mites are not insects. They are arachnids, which also includes spiders, ticks, and scorpions. Adult mites normally have eight legs. They do not have antennae or wings.
Spider mites are small, often difficult to see without a hand lens.
Spider mites puncture plant tissue with piercing mouthparts to feed on plant juices. Chlorophyll is removed along with plant fluids. As a result, plants infested with spider mites have a white or yellow speckled appearance. The plants look dull and unthrifty. Mites feed primarily on the undersides of leaves, out of sight and away from direct sunlight.