Gardening

Denninmi

(6,581 posts) Mon Jul 23, 2012, 06:02 AM Jul 2012

They're mighty Mite-y, and they're letting it all hang out.

With apologies to The Commodores, I just wanted to let people know that this extreme heat and drought has created PERFECT conditions for spider mite populations to explode. They love heat, and they hate moisture. I am seeing mites on not just "the usual suspects" such as my Datura, but all throughout the ecosystem on trees, perennials, annuals, vegetables. Some poetic justice, I guess, but I've seen a number of weeds even heavily infested.

If you're seeing plants that look like this (not my photos), they have mites:

For light infestations, repeated dousing of the undersides of the leaves with water will help. If it gets more serious, you may need to explore other options.

6 replies

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They're mighty Mite-y, and they're letting it all hang out. (Original Post) Denninmi Jul 2012 OP

Don't you have any lady bugs? HopeHoops Jul 2012 #1

Here's an article on biological control using ladybugs and "predator mites" Denninmi Jul 2012 #3

wondered what this was NJCher Jul 2012 #2

Had them on 3 miniature roses I kept on the porch; gave up! elleng Jul 2012 #4

Little buggers took out my pretty Columbine plant earlier this year and they are besieging my beac Jul 2012 #5

I am sure that some may have a problem with this remedy, Curmudgeoness Jul 2012 #6

HopeHoops

(47,675 posts)

1. Don't you have any lady bugs?

Reply to Denninmi (Original post)

Mon Jul 23, 2012, 09:03 AM

Jul 2012

Denninmi

(6,581 posts)

3. Here's an article on biological control using ladybugs and "predator mites"

Reply to HopeHoops (Reply #1)

Mon Jul 23, 2012, 10:42 AM

Jul 2012

I think a lot of this is still in the experimental phase, not widely available to end consumers (home gardeners).

http://live.psu.edu/story/42616

NJCher

(38,255 posts)

2. wondered what this was

Reply to Denninmi (Original post)

Mon Jul 23, 2012, 09:59 AM

Jul 2012

I was going to look it up but you saved me the trouble.

Cher

elleng

(136,880 posts)

4. Had them on 3 miniature roses I kept on the porch; gave up!

Reply to Denninmi (Original post)

Mon Jul 23, 2012, 01:20 PM

Jul 2012

Large rose bushes may have some, but also some other creepy crawlies which eat HOLES in leaves, leaving them like skeletons! OH MY!

beac

(9,992 posts)

5. Little buggers took out my pretty Columbine plant earlier this year and they are besieging my

Reply to Denninmi (Original post)

Mon Jul 23, 2012, 02:45 PM

Jul 2012

green beans. So far, these are their only victims, but I'm nervous.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)

6. I am sure that some may have a problem with this remedy,

Reply to Denninmi (Original post)

Mon Jul 23, 2012, 05:22 PM

Jul 2012

but I make a "tea" from tobacco and spray it on plants with spider mites. It has always worked for me for most pests I have had, but I don't use it unless I have a serious problem, since I don't normally use any chemicals that will harm beneficial insects. I used this one year for white fly infestation and I have never had white flies since. I understand that this is a dangerous chemical to use, and never use it on or around tomatoes.

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