Steve took this awesome macro photo of a Spider Mite
infestation on a Norfolk Island Pine.
| Latin name: |
Tetranychus spp and
Tenuipalpidaee spp |
| Common name: |
"Two Spotted Spider
Mite" and "Red Spider Mites" |
| Description: |
"Spider Mites"
are very small and difficult to see. Take a sharp pencil and touch
the tip on a piece of paper. That's the size of a mite. They look
just like a spider. Shake a branch over a sheet of white paper to
find them. You will see tiny specs moving on the paper. |
| Hosts: |
Palms, Crotons, Hedera
Ivies. Mites can be found on any plant from African Violets to
Yucca Cane. |
| Life cycle: |
An average female mite
lives up to 30 days and can lay up to 200 eggs. Hatching is depended
on temperatures. 3 days at 90 degrees up to a month at 50 degrees.
Unfertilized females produce males. Fertilized females will
produce both sexes. In warm temperatures they can quickly take
over a plant. |
| Natural control: |
On a warm day rinse the
plant with a forceful spay of water outdoors. Let the foliage dry
and spay with Safer's Ultra Fine oil in a shaded location. Repeat
this process for 3 weeks or more. |
| Chemical control: |
Treat the soil with
systemic insecticide. Spray with Avid or Malathion. As with all
chemicals be sure to read the label directions and wear
appropriate safety equipment. |
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