Controlling Spider Mites
Spider mites are just among the pests that could bring destruction to your garden. Commonly found on the underside of leaves, they would feed on plants by sucking plants cells. This in turn could cause leaf to fall or worse, the plants’ to die eventually. They also protect their eggs by making silk webs that are also damaging to the plants.
Since spider mites are very tiny, they can’t be easily spotted. However, possible infestation can be determined by watching out for symptoms such as stippling or discoloration of leaves. It is important that spider mites be detected as early as possible. One way to verify their presence is by having a white paper wiped off the undersides of leaves. They are more visible in a white paper.
There are different ways to control spider mites. When there isn’t really infestation going on, the mites can be left alone and let insects that feed on them take control of the situation. Some of the mites’ natural predators are actually being sold for mites controlling purposes. However, these predators, when exposed to insecticides, could die, thus, failing to do their very purpose and that is to control mites.
Hot and dry condition causes mites to reproduce rapidly. Syringing or watering of plants with force using a hose during would be enough to keep the buildup of spider mites from happening. However, this method is not applicable to all ornamental plants.
When all else fails and there’s already spider mites outbreak, there’s no other choice but to use chemicals on them. Insecticidal oils, soaps and other commercial products like Spotless can be used but you need to make sure that they really come in contact with the mites otherwise, it will all be useless. Take note that mites move around so application of these chemicals should be thorough. Also keep in mind that chemicals can be harsh on plants so they should be used sparingly.
One Response to “Controlling Spider Mites”
Neem Oil and Spray Safe…
I find using 2 products and alternating them is the best way to combat spidermites, If you have a heavy infestation and only have a few plants then vacuuming your plants and removing heavily infested leaves is the best course of action, inspect the crop in a few days to see if you have a second wave from eggs hatching, if so, spray with spray safe.
Remember that Neem has 2 actions, 1 as a contact insecticide as it smothers and suffocates the adults it lands but it also interferes with the hormones of the spidermite, stopping it feeding which after a few days results in the spidermites dying.
To Summarize, use 2 products, always spray until you have runoff from the leaves and always spray the underside of the leaves and repeat with an alternative product 3 days later and if necessary repeat every 3 days until you see no more mites.
If you have catch an infestation late and they have already made webs on your plants, you must remove the tops of your plants and hopefully salvage some of your crop, mites will always climb to the highest parts of your plants so the lower leaves should be easily cleaned if you follow the above guidelines.
Vigorous inspections and regular preventative spraying during the vegative cycle is the only way to ensure a clean bug free crop, especially when growing resinous plants because it is impossible to remove bugs once they get stuck to the resin.