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

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.