How to treat spider mites on tomatoes? - briefly
Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, thoroughly coating leaf undersides and repeating every 5–7 days until mites are gone. Maintain low humidity, improve air flow, and prune heavily infested foliage to stop re‑infestation.
How to treat spider mites on tomatoes? - in detail
Spider mite infestations on tomato plants develop quickly under hot, dry conditions. Mites appear as tiny specks on leaf surfaces; their feeding creates stippled, yellowed foliage and fine webbing along stems and undersides of leaves. Early detection prevents severe yield loss.
Cultural measures reduce habitat suitability.
- Maintain soil moisture at optimal levels; well‑watered plants are less attractive.
- Space plants to improve air circulation, lowering leaf temperature.
- Remove weeds and plant debris that can harbor mites.
- Apply a mulch layer to moderate soil temperature and moisture fluctuations.
Mechanical actions interrupt mite populations.
- Spray foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites and break webs.
- Prune heavily infested branches, discarding them away from the garden.
- Use sticky traps placed near the canopy to monitor and capture adult mites.
Biological agents provide sustainable suppression.
- Release predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus when mite numbers exceed threshold levels.
- Encourage native predators by planting flowering herbs (e.g., dill, fennel) that supply pollen and nectar.
- Apply commercial formulations of entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) according to label directions.
Chemical options are reserved for severe outbreaks.
- Select miticides with low toxicity to beneficial insects, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil; repeat applications every 5–7 days until mites disappear.
- Rotate products with different modes of action (e.g., abamectin, spirotetramat) to delay resistance development.
- Observe pre‑harvest intervals and adhere to safety guidelines.
Monitoring and preventative routines sustain control.
- Inspect the undersides of leaves twice weekly during peak summer months.
- Record mite counts and web density to determine whether action is required.
- Implement a calendar of interventions, beginning with cultural practices, followed by mechanical removal, then biological releases, and, if needed, targeted miticide use.
By integrating these strategies, growers can keep spider mite populations below damaging levels and preserve tomato productivity.