How to avoid spider mites? - briefly
Keep humidity moderate, avoid over‑fertilizing, and routinely rinse foliage with a strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Remove any infested leaves promptly and release predatory mites to suppress outbreaks.
How to avoid spider mites? - in detail
Spider mite infestations can be prevented through a combination of cultural, physical, and chemical measures. Maintaining optimal plant health reduces the likelihood of colonization; provide adequate water, balanced nutrition, and proper spacing to improve air circulation. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which promotes tender growth favored by the pests.
Physical barriers and monitoring are essential. Install fine mesh screens on greenhouse vents to exclude adult mites. Conduct weekly inspections, focusing on the undersides of leaves where webs and eggs appear. Use a hand lens to detect early signs and remove affected foliage promptly.
Biological controls offer sustainable protection. Introduce predatory species such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, or Amblyseius swirskii. Release rates depend on crop size and infestation level; consult supplier guidelines. Maintain habitats that support these predators by providing alternative food sources and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.
If chemical intervention becomes necessary, select acaricides with low residual activity and rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance. Apply according to label rates, targeting the leaf surface and undersides. Follow with a thorough wash of plant material to remove residues and reduce re‑infection risk.