Advice on applying miticides

[carykeshen]

Hello All - This is my first post on this forum.

I grew orchids about 25 years ago, got busy with work and raising kids, so my interest petered out, but now I'm retired and doing it again.

I have purchased a number of plants recently and have noticed some spider mites. Don't want to see this get out of control so I just ordered some Avid and some Forbid 4F that I will use in rotation.

My question is: Should I start off with one of them for several treatments and see what level of control I get and then just switch to the other? Well, how would any of you approach mites? I tried Neem oil on a couple of plants, but it just does not seem to be effective.

Thanks in advance.

[Ray]

I cannot speak for the specific products, but rotation is typically done by campaign, rather than by treatment.

Apply one three times at one week intervals. If that has not controlled the issue, do the same with the other.

That assumes that the two products have different modes of action.

[carykeshen]

Thanks for the reply Ray.

I have been assured that these products are in wide use among orchid people.

That is exactly what I was looking for in terms of advice.

P.S. Ray, what product would you use to handle mites?

[rbarata]

I've been using water+dishwasher detergent+alcohol.
Spray the plant at every watering (before) until you see improvements in the plant.
It is almost impossible to erradicate mites so population control shoul be your goal.