What to do about spider mites? - briefly
Apply a vigorous water spray to knock mites off foliage, then treat the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to label directions. Remove severely damaged leaves and isolate affected specimens to limit further infestation.
What to do about spider mites? - in detail
Spider mite infestations require immediate identification, cultural prevention, and targeted treatment.
Accurate detection involves inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny moving dots, fine webbing, and stippled foliage. Early detection limits population growth and reduces crop loss.
Cultural measures reduce favorable conditions. Remove heavily infested plant parts, increase air circulation by pruning dense growth, and regulate irrigation to avoid prolonged leaf wetness that encourages mite proliferation. Maintaining optimal nutrient balance, especially adequate calcium and potassium, strengthens plant resistance.
Biological controls provide sustainable suppression. Introduce predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, or Amblyseius swirskii. Release rates depend on infestation severity; typically 10–20 predatory mites per square meter achieve rapid decline. Preserve existing natural enemies by avoiding broad‑spectrum insecticides.
Chemical options serve as a last resort. Select miticides with low toxicity to beneficials, such as sulfur, neem oil, or abamectin. Apply according to label rates, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance development.
Monitoring after intervention confirms efficacy. Re‑inspect plants weekly; if mite numbers persist above threshold levels, repeat biological releases or adjust miticide application.
Integrated management combines these steps to protect plants while minimizing environmental impact.