Spider Mites

[Garf]

It seems that what I thought was nutrient shortages is actually spider mites. This is a bad infestation and I have a history of not being able to deal with them. I need help. How do I kill these things without killing my plants?

[delltraveller]

I've been trying out a spray of 50% rubbing alcohol/ 50% water on some plants with signs of spider mites. Jury's still out on the effectiveness.

[Tracydr]

Originally Posted by delltraveller

I've been trying out a spray of 50% rubbing alcohol/ 50% water on some plants with signs of spider mites. Jury's still out on the effectiveness.

Let me know how this works. I've heard of using it for houseplants.

That is really gross! You have what appears to be a lethal infestation- the webs are so heavy I doubt that you could get inside them with a bulldozer! Seriously, if the plant(s) were mine I would dispose of them and start over. I have a huge problem with SMs, and have discovered that Neem oil is the best to get rid of them. My Pole Beans got them as soon as the sprouts appeared, but one spraying 2 weeks ago got them. I spray about every 10 days to prevent more, and so far they are free of the little demons!

delta, doesn't the alcohol dry the leaves out? That seems like a really strong mixture.

[delltraveller]

Originally Posted by JoParrott

delta, doesn't the alcohol dry the leaves out? That seems like a really strong mixture.

It's the regular, lower strength rubbing alcohol commonly available just about everywhere, not one of the more specialized higher strength versions. So far I'm having no trouble with it drying out the leaves. It seems to evaporate quickly, leaving little time for it to damage the leaves. I don't put it on when the sun is on the plants, though. Shady time only.

[DogsandDirt]

Definitely spider mites - I hate those little (insert expletive). I've used Take Down with pretty good success so far. Espoma also has a product that's essentially this same thing, Earth-tone Insect Control. Both are made with canola oil and pyrethrin. Some people have success with neem oil, but it hasn't worked too well for me. Insecticidal soap, pyrethrin, permethrin, and sulfur will give you some control but you'll need to keep hitting them with something. They are persistent.

Some application tips:
1) Whatever you decide to use, apply early in the morning or after sunset. All of those products can cause leaf burn if the sun hits them when they're wet

2) If you decide to use an oil based product, you cannot apply a sulfur-containing product for at least 21 days or you'll burn your plants. Avoid sulfur when temps are >90 degrees

3) DO NOT USE FERTILOME TRIPLE ACTION PLUS!!! I sprayed it on 3 plants and it almost killed them. It says it's a pesticide, but it acts like a herbicide.

[augiedog55]

I askd the same thing early this yr. Raybo recommended "Take Down" with Pyrethrin and canola oil. I ordered some yesterday and got an email this morning saying it was discontinued. I'm getting ready for them here. They will start in a month or so. One person also used insect grow inhibiter with good success. Hope they will respond to this thread when they see it.

[DogsandDirt]

Originally Posted by augiedog55

I askd the same thing early this yr. Raybo recommended "Take Down" with Pyrethrin and canola oil. I ordered some yesterday and got an email this morning saying it was discontinued. I'm getting ready for them here. They will start in a month or so. One person also used insect grow inhibiter with good success. Hope they will respond to this thread when they see it.

Hmmm...didn't know Take Down was discontinued. I ordered mine from Worm's Way (www.wormsway.com) last year. You might check with them to see if they still have some in stock. They also have the Espoma Earth-tone version listed on their website.

I think it was b54red who uses insect growth regulator on his plants. I think he said the brand was Martin's IGR.

[stackhouse_kbtom]

general hydroponics has a great product named azamax that is a highly pure form of neem.... costs a little bit but the stuff works great on spider mites b4 they happen.... seeing u already are infested u should find u some pyrethrins as well.... I'm sure u can find a product with pyrethrins @ lowes or home depot... i think there is a green light brand for fruit trees... anyways if u alternate between these two products every 7 days... ull be golden

[Dewayne mater]

I used Takedown once this season and for a few days, it pretty much did what its name says. I ordered it maybe 3 weeks ago and would be surprised if it is discontinued by Monterrey.

Neem and other oil products may reduce but in my experience do not eliminate spider mites.

It all depends on how toxic you want to get. There are other miticides that will do the job, but, you may not want to eat tomatoes that they were sprayed on, at least I don't. Pyrethrins and Permethrins (sp?) are both pretty doggone toxic already, at least to bees, fish, etc. So, if you use them, the most environmentally conscious way to do so, imo, is to spray at night after dusk if possible, then come back out the next morning early and spray them again with something else to wash off the pyrethrins. Overnight should be sufficient to kill spider mites.

Does anyone know if Kaolin clay will effect these little demons? It is supposed to work on leaf footed bugs and I'm wondering if spider mites might be deterred as well?

Good luck.

Dewayne mater

[kurt]

Ladybugs are cheaper(Im sorry "less expensive") than a bottle of chemicals.They will stop the life cycle of the critters.And while they are eating they also polinate at the same time.Two for one.

[Skaggydog]

Originally Posted by kurt

Ladybugs are cheaper(Im sorry "less expensive") than a bottle of chemicals.They will stop the life cycle of the critters.And while they are eating they also polinate at the same time.Two for one.

Ladybugs, Ladybugs fly away home.

[Tracydr]

Originally Posted by Skaggydog

Ladybugs, Ladybugs fly away home.

Ladybugs are not happy in temperatures over 100. I had a great population this spring but they are all gone, now.
There is a rare, AZ ladybug but probably won't see that until July/August. Can't really buy those at the Whole Foods, though!

[Islandgirl54]

I've added some ladybugs to my little greenhouse for this awful problem . I hope it helps! My tomatoes were so beautiful and within a couple of weeks they've gone downhill. I think next year u am going to do preemptive strike on these pests!