Best time to spray?

[Tracydr]

I've noticed some evidence of spider mite infestation on three of my tomatoes which are in a different garden than the rest. I'd like to spray them with azamax and maybe neem oil with a drop of soap, if that might also help?
Problem is, we are in the low to mid 90s, except for Weds. Weds will be 88. No dew, humidity has been less than 5%.
Would it be safe to spray tomorrow night with Weds being a cooler day? I've had leaf burn from the most benign sprays. I worry, since we don't have any dew like "normal" places.

[rnewste]

Tracy,

I think absence of the Sun is the key operative. Ambient temperature, less so. Especially in Arizona! Your low humidity at night should not lead to fungal issues. I spray in the early evening after the Sun is at the horizon. You've got to deal with mites ASAP, so I would spray this evening.

Raybo

[Tracydr]

Perfect. Thanks Ray!
Out of the sprays I have which would you use?
I also have spinosad but it seems worthless for mites. I also have sulphur but I never use it except in colder weather.

[rnewste]

Tracy,

In addition to the Take Down Garden Spray for mites, I am also applying Monterey Garden Spray, and will commence a sequence with BotaniGard soon:



I think this "triple-play" will address the Whitefly / Aphid / Mite infestations we always see here in NorCal.

Raybo

[Tracydr]

I haven't had any white flies ( ever!) but aphids are common, although they seem to have left me mostly alone this year. I'll see if I can find this but hit them with azamax tonight.
Can I mix azamax with neem and/or castille peppermint soap?
I'll probably order the Take Down for mites since they are always a problem. I'll wait on the Montery spray until after our move. Don't want to move too many garden chemicals. Our moving vans are going to be packed as it is.

[Dewayne mater]

I'm assuming that Take Down Garden Spray for mites is the pyrethrin product Monterrey sells. If so, it is bee toxic, but, harm can be minimized by timing of the spraying. Here is what U Cal IPM says about pyrethrins and bees:

Impact on Honey Bees3
Toxicity category: III - Apply only during late evening, night, or early morning.

Bee toxicity ratings explained (with this being a III)
Honey bee ratings are: (Very High) I-Do not apply to blooming plants; (High) II-Apply only during late evening; (Moderate) III-Apply only during late evening, night, or early morning; and (Low) IV-Apply at any time with reasonable safety to bees. For more information, see How to Reduce Bee Poisoning From Pesticides (PDF), Pacific Northwest Extension Publication PNW591.

Application Tips
Pyrethrins rapidly break down after application. They must be applied when target pests are present. Pyrethrins are fast acting and cause rapid knockdown of flying insects or temporary paralysis of other insects. They are used to flush out cockroaches, for instance, from hiding places in homes. Insects may recover from application of pyrethrins alone and to be most effective, they need to be combined with the synergist piperonyl butoxide. Formulations that include insecticidal soap or other insecticides may increase effectiveness.

I've not ever seen the recommendation of including insecticidal soap. First sign of mites this year, and I can't believe they haven't already appeared, I'm gonna try adding soap to the spray and will spray at dusk or later under lights.

Dewayne Mater