Mites attack hundreds of greenhouse crops, but some of their favorite hosts are roses and tropical foliage plants. Mites typically hide under leaves, and some species are so small that they can only be seen with a hand lens.

Species include twospotted spider mites, cyclamen mites, broad mites and Lewis mites.

On plant tissue look for small clusters of brown or yellow spots caused by the mites feeding from below. If you see webbing on plants, the mite infestation is likely intense. Spider mites may also cause a stippling effect on the upper leaf surface.

Broad mites and cyclamen mites inject toxins as they feed. This causes hard, distorted growth in the growing tips.

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