The red spider mite is one of the main pests of a large number of crops (fruits and vegetables) that appears in hot climates in spring and summer.
Although this guide to mites shows you how to identify them, in this article we focus exclusively on knowing the products that we can buy or prepare to combat these tiny spiders.
Contents
- PARAFFIN OIL 83%
- ABAMECTIN 1.8% [EC] S/S
- BEAUVERIA BASSIANA
- SULFUR 70, 72, 80%
- POTASSIUM SALTS OF C7-C18 & C18 UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS 10.2g/L [AL] S/S
- HEXITIAZOX 10% [WP] P/P
- SPIROMESIFEN 24% [SC] S/S
- ORANGE OIL 60g/L [ME] S/S
- PARAFFIN OIL (CAS [8042-47-5]) 83% [EC] S/S
- RAPESEED OIL 70% + PYRETHRINS 0.7% [EC] S/S
- HEXITIAZOX 5% + ABAMECTIN 1.8% [SC] S/S
Insecticides against red spider mites for ecological agriculture
potassium soap
Potassium soap has the property of softening the exoskeleton of insects like spider mites and affecting their respiratory system. It gradually reduces the plague, but it is advisable to carry out several repeated treatments every 4-5 days.
It is used at a dose of 1 and 2% diluted in water, i.e. the equivalent of 10-20 ml/L of water (150-300 ml/15-litre backpack).
Otherwise, you can also use any dishwashing liquid, at the rate of 10 ml/L of water.
read more: how to use potassium soap for pest control.
discounts
Castalia – Black Soap, 1 Liter
- Made with natural products
- Castalia brand product
- The best product for the care and well-being of your body
paraffin oil
Paraffin oil is an excellent insecticide for spider mites, as it has contact activity and seals the stigmas, causing the insect or mite to die from suffocation.
In addition to spider mites, it is also indicated against aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies.
The dose is 0.75-1 L/100 L of water.
Insecticidal paraffin oil 83% Belproil-A 500 cc
- Ecological insecticide-acaricide perfect for treatments against cochineal, whitefly and mites. Dosage of 5-10 cc/L in foliar spraying. It can be applied several times per crop cycle. Emulsifiable concentrate (EC).
Sulfur
It has a preventive action and a certain control over mites, being frequent in the cultivation of many horticultural crops (especially in the cultivation of tomatoes) the application in dusting to avoid both the affection by powdery mildew and the presence of mites.
Dosage of 20-30 kg/ha, sufficient to cover the entire foliar surface of the leaves. Do not apply at temperatures above 32 ºC.
read more: Can we mix copper and sulfur to fumigate?
Powdered Sulfur for Orchard and Gardening 1 Kg
- Fertilizer to stimulate plants and secondary action against fungi such as powdery mildew and scab and potato mites.
- Composition: 98.5% Elemental Sulfur (S)
- Authorized for use in Organic Agriculture
- Useful for fruit trees, vegetables and general outdoor gardening.
- 1 Kilo container
orange oil
Citrus extracts such as lemon or orange have acaricidal activity against red spider mites. It usually reaches concentrations between 6 and 8% and is considered phytosanitary, although it may present an ecological record.
It causes dehydration of the cuticles of soft-bodied insects and also affects the cell walls of fungi such as powdery mildew.
Citric extract (6% orange oil), in addition to acting as an insecticide for spider mites, also has activity against powdery mildew, thrips
They are used at doses of 1-3 L/100 L of water for fruit and citrus trees, and 0.7-2.5 L/100 L for horticultural crops.
When does the spider mite appear?
The spider mite needs warm periods and low humidity, with temperatures above 12 ºC and below 40 ºC. Humidity below 50-60% benefits you and increases your activity.
The first damage is observed in mid-spring, or at least when night temperatures are above 12°C. Hot, dry periods of summer, especially when summer horticultural plants are grown, are the times of greatest spider activity.
biological acaricides
Organic Products
Predatory insects are on the increase and are a great way to control all kinds of insects, including spider mites.
We have different options on the market, easy to install and with a different range of action. One of the best known is the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, although others are chosen based on the nature of the crop and the mobility it offers, also depending on the season.
- Macrolophus pygmy: predatory insect
- Neoseiulus californicus: predatory mite
- Neoseiulus californicus: predatory mite
- Feltiella acarisuga: midge mosquito
- Phytoseiulus persimilis: predatory mite
One of the best known and used in intensive horticulture is Nesidiocoris tenuis.
Crop damage caused by mites
Red spider mite damage comes from food. It sucks the cellular juice through the stylets present in its mouth, emptying its contents. Each aspiration is a chlorotic spot (like a mosquito bite in humans and animals), decreasing the plant’s ability to obtain energy from photosynthesis.
In severe attacks, it produces cobwebs that can cover the entire upper part of the crop, especially in horticultural crops such as peppers, eggplants, tomatoes or cucurbits.