How to get rid of spider mites on tomatoes? - briefly
Apply a thorough spray of insecticidal soap or neem oil to the leaf undersides, repeating the treatment every 5–7 days until the pests vanish. Maintain adequate watering, improve air circulation, and prune heavily infested foliage to prevent recurrence.
How to get rid of spider mites on tomatoes? - in detail
Spider mites infest tomato foliage when temperatures rise above 75 °F and humidity drops below 50 %. Early detection relies on inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks and fine webbing. A magnifying lens or smartphone camera helps confirm presence.
Control measures follow a layered approach:
- Cultural tactics: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to improve airflow, water at the soil base rather than overhead, and prune heavily shaded or diseased leaves. Rotate crops annually and avoid planting tomatoes near previous host species.
- Physical removal: Spray a strong jet of water on affected foliage each morning; repeat for three consecutive days. This dislodges mites and disrupts their life cycle.
- Biological agents: Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus. Apply according to label rates, ensuring a humid environment (70 % relative humidity) for predator establishment. Release a second batch after two weeks to sustain pressure.
- Botanical extracts: Mix neem oil at 1 % concentration with a mild surfactant and apply to both leaf surfaces every five days. Rotate with insecticidal soap (2 % potassium salts of fatty acids) to prevent resistance. Avoid applications during peak sunlight to reduce phytotoxicity.
- Synthetic options: When infestations exceed economic thresholds, use acaricides classified for vegetable use, such as abamectin or spiromesifen. Follow label dosage, observe pre‑harvest intervals, and alternate with a different mode of action after each application to mitigate resistance buildup.
Monitoring continues after each treatment. Count mites per leaf using a handheld magnifier; if numbers remain above 5 per leaf for three inspections, repeat the most effective tactic. Maintain a garden journal documenting dates, weather conditions, and product usage to refine future interventions.
Finally, dispose of heavily infested plant debris by sealing in a bag and discarding it away from the garden. Composting such material can re‑introduce mites into the soil. By integrating sanitation, environmental management, natural enemies, and targeted sprays, tomato growers can suppress spider mite populations and protect fruit yield.