Red Spider Mite
Red can be misleading as these tiny pests up to 1/16in or 0.5mm long, become red only during autumn and winter. They are also known as the two-spotted mite, for most of the year they are pale green/yellow with two dark spots. Red spider mite thrive in hot dry conditions, reproducing in as little as eight days at 80F or 26C. The spider mites hide in cracks and crevices, leaf litter, and garden canes. In greenhouses they can breed year round, if the temperature remains above 54F or 17C.
Susceptible Plants- Red spider mite affects a wide range of plants in greenhouses and indoors. They also may attack outdoor plants in hot dry conditions. Strawberries, peaches, grapevines, cucumber, string and pole beans, eggplant, carnation, fushia, and impatiens.
Symptoms- Red spider mite cause leaves of affected plants to initially show a fine speckling. As the attack continues they take on a bronzed appearance and may wither and die. A fine webbing is produced, strung between parts of the plant or under the leaves. Using a a magnifying glass the red spider mites and their eggs can be seen on the undersides of the leaves. In an unheated greenhouse the worst attacks occur from June to September, but red spider mites can be active year round.
Prevention and Control- Spray plants with a fine mist of water, twice daily. Ensure all plants have the best growing conditions possible. Red spider mite can be severe on plants that are pot bound or in overcrowded conditions. Discard badly infested plants. In spring clean out the greenhouse benches. Use a high-pressure hose on cracks and crevices.
Biological control.- Under cover and in warm areas outside use Predator Mites ; optimum temperature 64-75F or 18-24C or Ladybug Beetles: Hippodamia convergens
, Green Lacewing Eggs
and Pirate Bugs: Orius insidiosis,
Pesticide sprays- Safer Brand 3-in- 1 Insecticide/Fungicide/Miticide
is OMRI Listed and highly effective.
More Spider Mite Control Products for Organic Gardeners
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Organocide Organic Insecticide $22.34
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Neem OIl Organic Pest Control $21.95
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Bonide Insecticidal Soap RTU 32 oz |
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