I need some advice and support regarding what I am sure is a virulent infestation of red spider mites. I am very much limited in what I can do as last Wed I had lumbar spine surgery to solve a chronic pain issue. I had forgotten that lumbar spine surgery is debilitating and excrutiatingly painful. Most of the time I am highly medicated and semi-conscious.

Today I stepped out on my lanai for the first time in a week to view my container garden. I noticed that one of my Areca catechu Dwarfs was covered with 1,000s reddish-gold specks that I could wipe away with my hand. I am sure they are spider mites. I made a solution of Dawn and water, then applied that to all the palm's fronds. The newest frond was particularly infested and I suspect it won't make it. I don't want to lose the whole palms

Am I on the right track here? Right now I'm not in a position to do much else, certainly not hoof it out to my garden house. I want to knock these guys back before they take out my whole lanai, even if I have soap every palm out there. I can sit on a porch chair for short periods.

The irony about all this is summer weather has re-emerged with a  vengeance, including sweltering humidity and showers. I thought spider mites thrived in dry weather.

I will try to post a photo tomorrow. I'm done for today.

Meg, please check your PM.

 

Meg,

   I'm sorry to hear about your health conditions. Keep the faith! I don't think the soap and water will help much. Mites are difficult to control and remove. If you can't ( right away ) spray a good miticide, is there a friend you could call maybe and come by and spray your plants for you? Maybe a cold drink and lunch could be offered. You could also in the meantime put a strong nozzle on the hose and give them a good squirting down, everyday. Pay special attention to the undersides of the leaves. It can't hurt.

I agree with Jeff.  The undersides of the leaves harbors these buggers.  I've had to take to watering the undersides on particular palms and plants with regularity that I have in my garden and on clients properties.  Avid, or an equivalent with Abamectin has provided me with the best success in the hot months.  I'll usually spray the susceptible plants every 4-6 weeks during summer weather as a treatment  and/or preventative.  It seems to be the only product to hold these bugs in check.  Someday, I'll be able to use a neem or fish oil product once the temperature gets below 80 with consistency.  At this rate, I'm wondering if it is going to happen. Looks like you might need to call in a favor to have someone do the spraying for you.  Sorry about your condition.  Best luck on a speedy recovery.