What should be used to spray the spider mite? - briefly
Use a neem‑oil or horticultural‑oil spray at 1–2 % concentration, applied thoroughly to foliage. For heavy infestations, a miticide containing abamectin applied per label instructions provides reliable control.
What should be used to spray the spider mite? - in detail
Effective control of spider mite infestations relies on selecting appropriate spray formulations and applying them correctly.
Chemical acaricides provide rapid knock‑down but require careful resistance management. Pyrethroid‑based products, such as bifenthrin or lambda‑cyhalothrin, are applied at the label‑specified rate, typically 0.5–1 ml L⁻¹, and repeated after 7–10 days if populations persist. Organophosphate options, for example chlorpyrifos, are reserved for severe outbreaks due to toxicity concerns.
Botanical and petroleum‑derived oils act by suffocating mites. Horticultural oil, diluted to 1–2 % (10–20 ml L⁻¹), should be sprayed until runoff covers the undersides of foliage. Neem oil, containing azadirachtin, is mixed at 0.5 % (5 ml L⁻¹) and applied in early morning or late afternoon to minimize phytotoxicity.
Insecticidal soaps disrupt cell membranes. A standard formulation of potassium salt of fatty acids is used at 2–5 % (20–50 ml L⁻¹). Thorough coverage of leaf surfaces, especially the lower epidermis, is essential for efficacy.
Biological agents target mites without chemical residues. Commercial preparations of predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus) are released at 10–20 mites cm⁻² and distributed evenly over the plant canopy. The spray carrier may consist of a mild surfactant solution (0.1 % non‑ionic) to improve adhesion.
Integrated use of these options follows a rotation schedule: start with a botanical oil, alternate with an insecticidal soap, and introduce a predatory mite release when populations decline below economic thresholds. Monitor mite counts weekly; re‑apply treatments only when densities exceed 5 mites per leaf segment.
Safety considerations include wearing protective gloves, avoiding application during bloom, and observing pre‑harvest intervals indicated on product labels. Proper disposal of rinse water prevents environmental contamination.