spider mites

HOW TO CONTROL SPIDER MITES

To get rid of spider mites follow these steps:

Check plants regularly. Under favourable conditions, mite populations build up rapidly so early recognition and action are essential if you are to avoid problems.

Clear away weeds in your garden as they may harbour mites.

To control spider mites use SUPER SPECTRUM, it kills rapidly without any leaf burn or marking and is suitable for use on roses, ornamentals and fruits crops. SUPER SPECTRUM is a combination systemic insecticide and fungicide that will control the mites and protect the plant from fungal disease that might attack through damaged leaves.

ORGANIC SUPER SPRAYING OIL can also be used to control mites. It must be applied directly to the mites as it works by suffocating them. Apply in cool dull weather and ensure complete coverage of all parts of the affected plants including the undersides of leaves where spider mites usually live.

About

Spider mites (also known as garden mites), including red and two spotted spider mite are very tiny pests (less than 1mm) that chew through leaves leaving a speckled appearance. They are so small they are only just visible to the naked eye. Their usual red colour makes them a little easier to see. Under a lens it can be seen that they have eight legs and resemble a very small spider.

Spider mites often produce webbing as protection from predators and this is a sign of infestation.

Spider mites can be difficult to control. Infested leaves later harden and become bronzed. Under favourable conditions, mite populations build up rapidly. Early recognition and action are essential if you are to avoid problems.

Mites are most active when conditions are warm and dry. It is a regular pest of many plants indoors but can also infest berry fruits, roses, fruit trees. 

Did you know

Spider mites are members of the Acari (mite) family. They have eight legs, like spiders, and are related to the spiders. Spider mites tend to become a problem in hot dry weather. In optimal conditions populations can explode with a single mature female giving rise to millions of mites with a month.

The common species of red spider mite (family Tetranychidae) found in New Zealand are:

• Eurpopean red mite - Panonychus ulmi
• Two spoted mite - Tetranychus urticae
• Typhlodromid mite - Typhlodromus pyri

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