Spidermite    
                                                                               

Spidermite

  Spidermite adults

These tiny spider-like creatures are devastating to a wide variety of plants. They look like small black dots on the underside of leaves and in heavy infestations webbing may be present. The mites cause bleached areas and cause bud droop, if left untreated the plants will rapidly dry out and die. Spidermite prefer it hot and dry so it is important to raise the humidity around the plant.

  Spidermite damage on leaf

Beneficials:

    Phytoseiulus persimilis

    Feltiella acarisuga

    Amblyseius fallacis

    Amblyseius [Neoseilus] californicus

Physical/Mechanical Controls:  Cold water misted on underside and topside of plants, wood ashes around base of plants. Garlic barriers have been effective. Diatomaceous earth.

Chemical:  Dormant Oil, Sulphur, Rotenone

Last modified: October 21, 2003