gack! Mites!

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by glengary54

Eyebabe - From what he described and the fact that he was actually able to photograph the bug whatever it is, I doubt whole heartedly that it is spider mites. Not that neem oil won't work on other things.

Actually, I thought the bug picture looked most like a mite.
My impression is that they are more likely to swarm than other insects like springtails which flee when touched.

Furthermore, Neem Oil is effective on lots of bugs.

However, it is true that unless I get my magnifying spectacles on and look in real life, I can't be sure!

[glengary54]

Originally Posted by Eyebabe

Actually, I thought the bug picture looked most like a mite.
My impression is that they are more likely to swarm than other insects like springtails which flee when touched.

Furthermore, Neem Oil is effective on lots of bugs.

However, it is true that unless I get my magnifying spectacles on and look in real life, I can't be sure!

You may be totally correct but I have never heard of spider mites swarming in the potting medium and doing root damage. Either way, the plant needs to be treated with something.

[orchidsamore]

I use worm Vermi -liquid and I never have mites.

I have a commercial friend that grows helinconia. There are some varieties that are mite magnets. They attack so bad that he needed to cut off all the leaves 3 weeks before a show to have clean leaves. Since he started using Vermi-liquid the mites are totally gone.

The Vermi-liquid has a chemical called ceitanese. It only dissolves ceitain, but ceitain is the skeleton of an insect and the shell of its eggs. It is a natural organic pesticide that is harmless to humans and other animals.

The real advantage is that it dissolves the eggs and stops the infestation. Soap and neem oil may kill the mite but not necessarily the eggs.

[RJSquirrel]

Imo the best thing for spider mites is Neem Oil plus raising your humidity

good stuff doesnt smell too bad and works..makes leaves look nice and chiny too

a mite is a mite no matter what the mites color might be and that looks like a mighty mite to me

[calypsoB]

Thanks everyone for the info! I have used that solution on them and I haven't seen another mite at all! I will reapply again tomorrow (day 3) just to make sure no little baby mites come around. I almost bought the neem oil but alas it was going to cost a ridiculous sum of money for it. I will keep it on my need to buy list as I like the idea of having shiny leaves too

ETA- Spoke too soon! the phal still has some, but the catt is looking ok.