Spider Mites

[WaterWitchin]

A link to an article from Purdue about spider mites.

Spider Mites on Ornamentals

[WaterWitchin]

Another spider mite article, courtesy of Isurus79...

https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/...007/bw0507.pdf

Along with a recommendation from him when looking for a bigger gun for spider mites: "Bayer 3 in 1 is probably the easiest to find pesticide containing imidacloprid, which is super effective against mites."

The struggle is real with these Catasetum spider mite magnets.

[Dimples]

The article from Isurus79 and other articles, including the one I included below (in the application tips section), state that imidacloprid treatment can cause mite populations to increase, often at a very fast rate. This is especially frequent with the Two Spotted Spider Mite, but has also been observed in other mite species. The Bayer 3 in 1 has another ingredient that targets mites. Imidacloprid by itself can exacerbate a mite problem!

Pesticide Information about imidacloprid - UC IPM

[estación seca]

Mites rapidly become resistant to pesticides. Effective products need to be rotated frequently if used at all. Mechanical means of control do not lose effectiveness with time.

[Roberta]

Bifenthrin is a miticide.

[SteveM]

Bayer 3 in 1 took out my mites instantly. Had infestation in greenhouse, all orchids affected along with many other tropicals. Snake plant had it the worst. I must say after just one treatment I do not even see any sign of them over a month now. I really like Bayer products for all aspects of gardening.

[PuiPuiMolcar]

I only have 3 catasetums so it'd easy for me to manage the best on them. I find weekly hosing down the leaf or wiping it does the job better than insecticides

[My Green Pets]

I've currently got a mite infestation and I don't think they are spider mites. There is no webbing at all, they are tiny and red/orange. A little research has turned up the existance of flat mites or false spider mites, some even specifically called orchid mites. I bought 2,000 of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus from Arbico which I just applied today, fingers crossed they will eat them, whatever they are.

[SteveM]

Just curious where are you releasing them. In a greenhouse, outside, inside? Definitely looks interesting these biological controls, although a little pricey. I guess if they work the price isn't bad at all. I am intrigued about the beneficial fungi and bacteria.

[Dimples]

FYI: predatory insects aren’t sold intending to be a complete cure (regardless of what the seller says). They’re a management strategy that, included in an IPM program, can keep pest levels below the economically-damaging threshold. I’ve both seen and used other beneficial insects in greenhouses and they’re typically applied monthly throughout the season.