Re: Spider Mites
 

It not only attacks insect eggs, but larvae such as caterpillars.

The citrus leaf miner, a few varieties of mites and other insect pests can be difficult to purge because the tiny eggs are laid inside the leaf structure. Topical pesticides really don't have much effect. Systemics like Isotox work well, but can't be used on edibles. But to the Spinosaid bacteria, the leaf structure is more like a trellis which is penetrated with ease. I use it once per month for 6 months starting in March or April. However, it is not enough. I also spray once per month staggered 2 week later with a pyrethrin.

Re: Spider Mites
 

I've had the best luck with insecticidal soap, mixed according to label directions, misted with my fogger in the greenhouse. But you could spray it on too just as long as you get good coverage, top and bottom of leaves. Spray it early in the morning or at least a time when the plants aren't in bright sun.
Do this once or twice a week, even though it's a pain in the rear, and it will help. And it won't kill you either, price wise or otherwise, and you can get it locally at lots of stores.
We went on vacation for a week last year in August and it was 100 degrees and we didn't have misters in the greenhouse yet and my daughter was watering for me. She overwatered everything the year before and it was all practically floating when we came back and so I told her this time not to overwater like before. But I didn't realize it was going to be 100 degrees the whole time we were gone! with the exhaust fans running in the greenhouse all day long, the humidity in there was like 20 percent. When we came back, it looked like Halloween in there with all the webs!

Re: Spider Mites
 

That sucks!:2725:

Re: Spider Mites
 

I didn't mean anything by "organic", it just said that on the bottle of the one that has the different types of oils that I sprayed.

Re: Spider Mites
 

Spider mites suck too! LOL....
but I want to hear more about spinosad. Sounds good, too. I've been using botanigard for whiteflies and it seems to work good, but it's a form of bt not spinosad.
About the only affordable thing I've found that works relatively well for spider mites is the insecticidal soap but it might just be the greasiness of it that actually kills them, its pretty greasy stuff.
I like the idea of something that would torture them a little!

Re: Spider Mites
 

Go here: Green Light
Click on "Product Guide", then "Liquid Insecticides", then "Lawn & Garden Spray Spinosad® Concentrate".

Green Light is not the only distributor, for example: Monterey Lawn and Garden Products, Inc.

You'll find this bacteria spelled "Spinosad" and "Spinosaid" depending on the source.

Re: Spider Mites
 

Soap has no effect on exoskeleton of living arthropods. The outer surface of arthropods' respiratory systems is hydrophobic - taking advantage of surface tension of plain water to keep it out of arthropod's body. Adding soap or detergent reduces surface tension drastically, allowing it to bypass the hydrophobic surface, enter the respiratory system and drown the arthropod.

Soapy water is effective on contact with respiratory surfaces. It has no residual effect. Arthropods can escape by hiding in soil or on protected areas of plant. Soapy water can effect the waxy layer (also hydrophobic) on the outer surfaces of stems and leaves, causing discoloration.

Re: Spider Mites
 

Man Lard, What'd ya go to spidermite college?!!

Re: Spider Mites
 

Just finished a mite experiment. All seven of my Gran Nain x Sumatrana pups showed signs of mite reinfestation. Put three of them OUTSIDE of the pool enclosure - left 4 inside. Sprayed only the 4 with malathion. It has always worked, but the mites always returned. The GN cross is the only variety I have, still alive, that is a mite magnet. Oh, and let's not forget the Maurelii's - may all 3 RIP!

Results --------after 2 weeks the mites of the 3 unsprayed, outside pups are free of mites, including the webs. Gotta be the lizards. Maybe the tree frogs helped also. I've always suspected this is how things work here in S Fla, since none of the naners planted in the ground have ever showed spider mite sign. When the malath wears off, after a while, the 4 will go outside too. Don't want to get the critters sick.

Dan

Re: Spider Mites
 

Lard G is right. Soap isn't a totally plant friendly thing. I have had soap burn leaves on so many tropical plants that I won't use it anymore.

Re: Spider Mites
 

You have to make sure with soap of a couple of things. Spray late in the day or on a cloudy (all day) day. And if your plants are extra sensitive, rinse it off the next morning before the sun hits them real good.
Neem oil will burn them nanner leaves off too!

Re: Spider Mites
 

I have a dry hot corner in my greenhouse where spider mites always show up in the winter. I have to relocate some of my misting spray heads so they mist the underside of the leaves. I lay a strip of nozzles on the ground and mist from the ground up. It has been working for me so far.

Re: Spider Mites
 

If I were really an expert I'd know the name of a bug that munches them. Currently, I walk in darkness. Soap is my only friend.

Re: Spider Mites
 

Those would be called predator mites. They come in several varieties and right now is the time to release them in your garden, providing it's early spring where you live. I can tell you from first hand experiance they work great!

Here is a good article on controlling mites.
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/mites.htm