Red Spider Mites and Physan 20 - Orchid Board

Becca · #1 10-30-2007, 08:01 PM

Hi Everyone!

I saw this super fast red bug that reminded me of a spider from the way it moved on a new plant I received. I have taken the plant of the orchidarium in hopes that they haven't spread to my other plants yet. I am assuming they are red spider mites even though I have never seen a spider mite in my life. Will Physan 20 kill them?

Ross · #2 10-30-2007, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Hi Everyone!

I saw this super fast red bug that reminded me of a spider from the way it moved on a new plant I received. I have taken the plant of the orchidarium in hopes that they haven't spread to my other plants yet. I am assuming they are red spider mites even though I have never seen a spider mite in my life. Will Physan 20 kill them?

You might have what I had - agae "mites". They are super quick and seem to jump all over. They don't seem to fly but run real quick. I sprayed Schultz "Garden Safe" Houseplant & Garden Insect Spray and that seems to have done them in. I really don't think they do any actual harm to the plants, but no tellin'.

Becca · #3 10-30-2007, 10:30 PM

Thanks Ross! That sounds exactly like what I saw! Like I said, I have never seen them before....I'll have to pick up some of the Garden Safe spary you mentioned since all I have is Physan 20. Glad to hear they may not be much harm....I'll give them a shot with the Physan 20 in the morning to see if it helps....last thing I need are spiders living in my orchidarium!

Becca · #4 10-31-2007, 01:41 AM

Ross, I was looking up info on agae mites and couldn't find anything. I did however come across a website that has some info on predator mites, which can be "distinguished from spider mites because of their longer legs. The front pair of legs is often extended forward. They are more active and move about at a fast pace. They are often red or orange in color"

See the bottom of the page on the following link, I think this may be what I have, and you have had....either way, they prey on mites and that must mean they are or have been present on this plant.....eeek!

Mites

dougd · #5 10-31-2007, 07:52 AM

Physan 20 is not an insecticide.

PHYSAN 20™ is a broad range disinfectant, fungicide, virucide, and algaecide which effectively controls a wide variety of pathogens on hard surfaces and plants. Its applications include greenhouses; hard surfaces; lawn and turfgrass; seedlings and cut flowers; decorative fountains, pools and birdbaths; and plants.

PHYSAN 20 is an EPA approved concentrate formulated with unique germicidal agents to provide overall protection for your plants and greenhouses.

PHYSAN 20 poses no human or environmental risk when it is used at recommended use levels and according to label instructions.

PHYSAN 20 controls disease-spreading organisms which can be carried from plant to plant by using contaminated pots, flats, seed beds, soil, tools and human hands.

Ross · #6 10-31-2007, 09:06 AM

Exactly, Doug. It's more of a preventative, but not for insects. There are many "safe" products around like Safer's Soap, etc. that use pyrethrens or similar to controll insects.

Becca, get some yellow sticky traps meant for fruit flies, etc. The bugs you have don't fly though, so the traps won't get them, unforntunatley. The name "algae mites" is what Andy called them. He thought they wouldn't hurt the plants, only eat the algae. After spraying the plants, I seem to have less of the buggers around.

Becca · #7 10-31-2007, 09:23 AM

Okay I will pick something at the store. Thanks for the clarification of Physan 20, I am not sure why I was under the impression that it would work on pests....duh!

dougd · #8 10-31-2007, 09:54 AM

Becca,

Try the following. I use it and it is time released. I think your local farmers coop or Ace Hardware may carry it.

Bonide Systemic Granules Insecticide

Becca · #9 10-31-2007, 10:09 AM

Doug....that would work for the plants I have in bark, but what about the one's I have in s/h? For the plants in bark, do I just use the recommended amount for all plants?

dougd · #10 10-31-2007, 10:40 AM

Bonide Systemic Granules dissolve when you water the plant. The solution is them absorbed by the plant. It should work for s/h as well because s/h should have a small amount of water at the bottom of the pot which will leach upwards. Otherwise, you can keep a empty coke bottle filled with predissolve granules and use accordingly.

I also use a organic insecticide spray from Home Depot.