How to deal with a spider mite? - briefly
Control spider mites by promptly treating plants with an appropriate miticide or insecticidal soap, removing heavily infested foliage, and keeping humidity low while inspecting regularly. Supplement chemical measures with biological agents such as predatory mites and avoid over‑fertilizing with nitrogen to reduce future outbreaks.
How to deal with a spider mite? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, causing stippling, yellowing, and webbing. Effective control requires early detection, accurate identification, and a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical tactics.
Begin with inspection. Examine the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks and fine silk threads. Use a hand lens to confirm the presence of mites, distinguishing them from aphids or thrips by their eight legs and elongated bodies.
Cultural measures reduce population pressure:
- Remove heavily infested foliage and destroy it away from the garden.
- Increase air circulation by spacing plants and pruning dense growth.
- Water plants thoroughly in the early morning; a strong spray dislodges mites and washes off eggs.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which produces tender foliage favored by the pest.
Biological agents provide sustainable suppression:
- Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates of 100–200 predators per square meter are typical.
- Apply entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) according to label instructions; maintain humidity above 70 % for optimal infection.
- Encourage natural enemies by planting nectar‑producing herbs (e.g., dill, cilantro) near susceptible crops.
Chemical options act as a last resort and must be used responsibly:
- Apply miticides containing abamectin, hexythiazox, or spiromesifen, following the recommended interval of 7–10 days and rotating classes to prevent resistance.
- Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; spray until runoff, covering both leaf surfaces. Reapply every 5–7 days until mite activity ceases.
- Observe pre‑harvest intervals and maximum residue limits to protect consumer safety.
Integrated management combines the above strategies. Start with sanitation and cultural adjustments, augment with predators, and intervene with miticides only when monitoring shows population thresholds exceeding 5 mites per leaf. Record observations in a garden log to track effectiveness and adjust tactics seasonally.