What should you do with spider mites on lemon? - briefly
Remove the affected foliage, spray the remaining leaves with a horticultural oil or a labeled miticide according to label directions, and maintain low humidity and adequate ventilation to discourage reinfestation. Regularly monitor the tree and repeat treatment if mites reappear.
What should you do with spider mites on lemon? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of lemon leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and reduced vigor. Early detection prevents rapid population growth and protects fruit quality.
Inspect trees weekly, especially during hot, dry periods. Look for fine webs, tiny moving dots, and speckled foliage. When an infestation is confirmed, apply a layered management approach.
- Cultural practices: Reduce plant stress by maintaining consistent watering, mulching to retain soil moisture, and providing adequate nitrogen. Remove heavily infested leaves and prune overcrowded branches to improve air circulation.
- Mechanical removal: Spray leaves with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites. Repeat every 5–7 days until populations decline.
- Biological agents: Release predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, or predatory beetles. Apply them according to label rates, ensuring the foliage remains free of broad‑spectrum insecticides that could harm the beneficials.
- Organic miticides: Use horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Apply early in the morning or late afternoon, covering both leaf surfaces. Reapply after rain or as directed, typically every 7–10 days.
- Synthetic options: If mite numbers exceed economic thresholds and other measures fail, select a miticide registered for citrus, such as abamectin or bifenthrin, and rotate with a different mode of action to avoid resistance.
After treatment, monitor the canopy for at least three weeks. Record mite counts and adjust tactics if resurgence occurs. Maintaining a clean orchard floor, avoiding excessive fertilizer, and providing refuges for natural enemies reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks.