Spider Mites

[cobra2326]

I've been reading a bit because of the recent spider mite attacks in my small container garden.  So far I've tried neem oil, triazicide and bayer rose and flower (contains cyfluthrin, which is supposedly an effective form of pyrethrins).  None of these really seem to work.  

What all does everyone here use to eliminate these buggers?  What process do you use?  

Thanks in advance.

[Neofolis]

I had some spider mite problems with some of the plants in my polytunnel earlier this year and bought some predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis, to solve the problem.  There has been no further evidence of ongoing damage, it seemed to work almost immediately.

[metalfan]

I've used Kelthane with some success as a fast knockdown and followed it up with Neem Oil, works pretty well

[cobra2326]

Ok thanks.  Waiting on MattyB's post as I've heard he's got lots of experience with these :-D

[xerophyte_nyc]

I recently tried Anti-Stress 2000 on a container palm that had a minor spider mite problem, and it knocked them out overnight.  It is an anti-desiccant that creates a polymer coating that either the mites are unable to penetrate, or perhaps the polymer residue has a scent that is not to the liking of mites

[tjwalters]

(Neofolis @ Oct. 22 2007,16:38)

QUOTE

I had some spider mite problems with some of the plants in my polytunnel earlier this year and bought some predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis, to solve the problem.  There has been no further evidence of ongoing damage, it seemed to work almost immediately.

Where did you get the predatory mites?  I was thinking about trying them last year, but my typical winter conservatory infestation wasn't too bad.  I will probably be needing them this year, though.  I doubt if I will get lucky two years in a row.  

[www.dadluvsu.com]

Tom, check this website

http://www.biconet.com/biocontrol/persimilis.html

[Neofolis]

I used a site called Defenders for my predatory mites, but international shipping is unlikely to be feasible, partly due to customs controls, but also, being a live insect, the delivery time is likely to take too long.

[www.dadluvsu.com]

Hey Jon, can you post a couple photos?  I am having a mite ivasion as well and am not sure if I have spider mites or some other kind of mite...  I want to compare pests so I can know how to treat properly...  I have posted photos of my little demons here...  

http://palmtalk.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboar...t=ST;f=1;t=6561

and here...  

http://palmtalk.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboar...t=ST;f=1;t=8167

Any feedback would be appreciated!  :cool:

[www.dadluvsu.com]

Just so I am not being an alarmist... I set my camera to a ridiculousy high resolution and took a super upclose photo...  Did some serious zooming and believe that I only have an infestation of the common Tetranychus urticae (Two Spotted Spider Mite)...  Here is a photo, I will echo this post in the other threads...  Anyone else agree that these are regular spider mites and not the evil infamous "Red Palm Mite"??

[cobra2326]

Yeah, saw your post in another topic.  I won't be able to get shots until tomorrow, but I'll get some.

Edit:  Those look a lot like the mites I have.  I'm almost 100% that they're red spider mites.  The two-spotted are not red, and have two visible black spots.  The only exception I know to this is overwintering females that have an orange color.  

I see that you're in Florida too.  I've been told that spider mites hate humidity.  Well, the humidity has been 60-80% in the day and nearing 100% at night, and I've still got them.  

[MattyB]

Hey Jon, sorry I didn't respond sooner.  I've had really good luck with the Ortho Systemic Insecticide (formerly Isotox).  Like you, I've only had limited success using any number of oils, insecticides, etc.  It's the Systemic aspect that seems to really continue to deter the spider mites.  Air movement is crucial too.

Ortho product

[cobra2326]

Matt,

Thanks, I'll give that one a shot.  I've seen it recommended elsewhere, but so were lots of other things that didn't work.  Any special instructions or added dosages or do you just follow the label.

Thanks again.

[palmmermaid]

A friend of mine uses a 1" layer of sand on top of the pot.  Evidently they can't come up through this.  She has it on all her house plants and isn't bothered by the little buggers.

[MattyB]

I use the recommended dosage plus I put a small dose of Volk Oil or Neem Oil in there too.  I figure the two together works better than one.  Also, I spray the suseptable seedlings every week or two wheather I see mites or not.  These would include Clinostigma, Pinanga, Carpoxylon, and pretty much any South Pacific palm.

[tjwalters]

(PiousPalms @ Oct. 22 2007,21:17)

QUOTE

Tom, check this website

http://www.biconet.com/biocontrol/persimilis.html

Thanks for the source info.  I've bookmarked the site will probably be contacting them before the end of the year.  It's been unseasonably warm here in the great white north (well, mid-atlantic), so all my potted palms are still outside.

[xerophyte_nyc]

I'm gonna mention it again because nobody seems to be listening, and I think this can be a step in the right direction to solving many growers' problems...

I spray anti-stress 2000, a polymer that is as an anti-dessicant.  With good leaf coverage underneath, it creates an impenetrable barrier to sucking insects and mites.  It is not a pesticide.  It is 100% biodegradable and safe.  And it helps palms conserve water and improve frost tolerance, and reduce the need for irrigation and pesticides.

I have some bottle palms, a spindle, and some Adonidia in pots.  They picked up some mites recently 'cause they were in the greenhouse for about 6 weeks where apparently air circulation was not enough to curb the buggers.  I have them indoors now, and after 2 applications of the anti-stress @ 2 weeks apart, the mites are gone.  It works great, I am very pleased.  And as a bonus, humidity loving palms are not affected by the low humidity of growing indoors overwinter.

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