A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Plant pests and problems Spider mites

Anyone have any good kills for spider mites? I am at the point where I will accept anything, including chemical kills. Just wondering what is the best and most effective. They are invading my key lime trees and some other plants as well.

Hello, keylimegal. Spider mites tend to get out of control because chemical alternatives kill their natural predators. Natural enemies include lady beetles (lady bugs), predatory mites and predatory thrips so release some of them where you have problems. Local nurseries, organic minded nurseries and some of the big stores carry beneficial insects this time of the year.

Alternatively, periodic hosing of plants with a forceful jet of water can physically remove and kill many mites.

If you want to apply chemical controls, select any miticide sold in local nurseries but be prepared to apply it 2-3 times (in order to kill the new borns) every 10-14 days. Apply per label instructions.

Luis

Thanks, Luis. I live at the end of the earth out here on the Outer Banks, and no stores within hundreds of miles carry any of the insects needed. I hosed the tree and have it separated for a while now anyway. I did spray it some with a mild maliathion and sevin mix. NOW my attention has turned to the d*mn aphids on the tomatoes......