Knowledge Base:  
What are the white little spiders leaving webs on my plant?
Last Updated: 03/28/2011
These bugs are called "spider mites" and they are commonly found on indoor and outdoor plants.  Introducing a new plant to a household will sometimes attract these bugs. To rid of these bugs, use a mild solution of dish soap and water and spray the plant from leaf to roots.

If the spider mites reappear after spraying 2 times, you can submerge the entire plant in a large bucket of a mild solution of dish soap and water for about 20 minutes. Remember to fill the bucket first with water and then slowly set down the pot to the bottom. Afterward allow to drain and place in strong filtered sunlight. If you do not see any spider mites within 2-3 days then it did its job. Otherwise, please follow the next step.

For a serious case, we recommend to use insecticidal soap or malathion and spray as directed per bottle. If the problem still persists after this method then you should repot the plant with a new set of soil.

For long term prevention, keep the bonsai soil moist at all times since arid conditions would attract bugs to use it as shelter.

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