Flour mite: how to eliminate it on plants? - briefly
«Effective control of flour mite on foliage requires regular washing with a mild soap solution, removal of infested plant parts, and introduction of predatory insects such as Hypoaspis miles». Maintaining low humidity and avoiding excessive fertilization further prevents recurrence.
Flour mite: how to eliminate it on plants? - in detail
Flour mites (Acarus siro) infest a wide range of cultivated plants, especially those with high humidity and organic debris. Adult mites are microscopic, oval, and pale, while nymphs resemble miniature adults. Infestation manifests as stippled leaf surfaces, reduced vigor, and the presence of fine webbing. Rapid reproduction—up to 30 generations per year—allows populations to surge under favorable conditions.
Effective eradication requires an integrated approach:
• Cultural tactics
– Eliminate excess moisture by improving drainage, spacing plants to enhance airflow, and avoiding overhead watering.
– Remove plant litter, fallen leaves, and other organic matter that serve as breeding sites.
– Rotate crops with non‑host species to interrupt the mite life cycle.
• Mechanical measures
– Inspect foliage regularly; dislodge mites with a strong water jet.
– Introduce sticky traps coated with a suitable adhesive to capture mobile stages.
• Biological agents
– Apply predatory mites such as Neoseiulus californicus or Phytoseiulus persimilis, which actively seek and consume flour mites.
– Inoculate soil with entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) that infect and kill mite stages.
• Chemical options
– Use acaricides containing abamectin, spirodiclofen, or neem oil, following label instructions to prevent resistance buildup.
– Limit applications to early morning or late evening to reduce non‑target impacts.
Monitoring remains essential: establish a baseline population count, then assess reduction after each intervention. Adjust tactics based on observed efficacy, prioritizing non‑chemical methods whenever possible. Consistent implementation of the outlined measures suppresses flour mite colonies and restores plant health.