These tiny little spiders absolutely decimated my bell pepper plants. Oddly, they are in the same pot as a ton of Italian basil, and they don't touch it! Anybody know what these are and how to get rid of them. If I clear out the webs and clean off the plants, they are just back the same the next day!

 

Thanks,

Can you spray the bell peppers with Italian basil juice?

I would hazard spider mites

2 hours ago, degrub said:

I would hazard spider mites

I wouldn't hazard it, I.m 99.99$ certain. Even spraying with chemicals doesn't always help. and even then the eggs won't be destroyed. They are supposed to dislike wet foliage but at this time of year...

some kind of oil based insecticide (Neem oil comes to mind) should help. 

Try detergent, it will block the breathing tubes and suffocate them. I use 1 dl of liquid dish wash detergent for 20 liter water. It takes away the surface tension in water and allow the water to penetrate the tracheae. I also use wood vinegar, charcoal distillate mixed in.

Both two above recommendations are correct. Neem oil with dishwashing liquid or any cooking oil with dishwashing liquid can control them. Chemicals are not advised for home growers. However, in worse cases like your picture you can use Fenpyroximate (brand name Altus / Ortus). This is one of the least toxic chemicals. Elemental Sulfur also works. 

Absolutely harmless and very lovely!

Unfortunately your bell pepper plants have crabs.

 

You should notify their sexual partners.

Spider mites. Dish soap, Neem oil, Wood vinegar etc will work but you have to keep applying it.

Insecticides do not work, you will need a miticide.