Imidacloprid - Suitable to eradicate Spider Mites?

[wintergirl]

Mine are inside in a controlled environment, you can get rid of them in this situation.

---------- Post added at 09:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 PM ----------

Found a dig microscope on Amazon that works with windows 10 ect.

"Support is built in to all versions of windows from XP and above. This includes Windows 10, 8.1/8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Companion software is available on our website for Windows that allows finer control of the device, or any other video capture software can be used."

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Micr...tal+microscope

---------- Post added at 09:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 PM ----------

Here is a video about using a dig scope:

[url]https://

[rbarata]

Although all my orchids are inside (except my cymbs), the environment is not even close to be controlled.
Due to the temps here in spring ans summer I tend to have open windows during the night, especially in summer, to cool the house.
So, anything can come in if they want to.
I reckon I use imidacloprid for mealy bugs but just for practic reasons due to the systemic action and because I've used it in a limited qty of plant. Also, it's easy to know when to stop using it.
But in the case of mites, unless with a microscope, it's impossible to eradicate them so the only option is control theyr population. This can't be made using pesticides due to the amount needed and, also, acaricides are far more toxic.
So, it should be used only in extreme situations and if one knows it's really needed and not for control purposes.

[estación seca]

An entomologist friend told me mites feed on individual cells, not the sap in the plant vessels. Imidacloprid is taken up by plant roots, then transported through the plant in sap in the vessels, where mites don't feed. Insects that eat the entire leaf, or suck sap, will ingest imidacloprid and die.

Imidacloprid sprayed on the mite will kill it.

[silken]

I've read that imidacloprid has no effect on mites and may help them since it kills most of its predators. However for an infestation of mites like this I would use a chemical, as it will only be controlled not eradicated with soap and the likes. I don't have mites thru my collection and when I have had a plant or two with it, I eradicate it as soon as I can. I don't want them only under control. If you grow outside, that's a different matter because you can't keep every insect away from them.

I have found Malathion to be very effective and eliminating them. It is usually fairly easy to find also.

[rbarata]

I also read that imidacloprid doesn't kill them.
If spraying kills them the action is not systemic so it is as effective as the treatment I gave them, I think.
The shower I gave to the den was equivalent to tons of imidacloprid.

Here, acaricides are controlled substances and can only be bought by authorized people.

[rbarata]

Help based on actual experience needed...

Knowing that mites life cycle depends on the environmental conditions, what should be the recommened periodicity for this treatment?

Inside my house I have a range of temps between 79 and 82 F (26 to 28 ºC) and HR between 30 and upper 40's.
Outside, probable origin of these pests, temps between 63 and 104 F (17 to 40 ºC) and HR between 20 and 80 %.

[Ray]

Warm and dry favors growth and reproduction of mites. Cooler and humid slows them.

Soap and water is actually quite effective, but you'll need to wet the plants thoroughly every 3-4 days.

[rbarata]

...but you'll need to wet the plants thoroughly every 3-4 days.

Thanks Ray. For how long? One month?

[wintergirl]

I did the soap/alcohol & water once a week x 3 weeks and now they are gone.
When I water my plants I wet/rinse all the leaves on many of them now to help avoid an outbreak.

[estación seca]

It's warmer where I live, so they reproduce faster. Three treatments at 5- day intervals takes care of them. I spray susceptible plants with alcohol every 7-10 days to prevent outbreaks. Almost all the mites are on the undersurface, so be sure you treat there.