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Subject: Re: Spider Mites
From: "Bill Robinson" <roseguy@gte.net>
Organization:
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 00 11:11:41
Message-ID: <MOD$000211.2115@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Scott posted saying that he wanted to "exterminate" spider
mites. . . . I've an article on the two-spotted spider mite
at http://www.victorian-rose.org. Another good reference is
"Pests of the Garden and Small Farm" by Mary Louise Flint,
a University of California publication.

In essence, spider mites are the prey of a number of garden
creatures and the first good control measure is NOT to use
pesticides. . . the various pesticides mostly kill those
creatures who also feed on spider mites and they do very little
in terms of killing spider mites.

Spider mites like dry, dusty conditions. Anything that can be
done to keep dust to a minimum helps as does overhead watering.
Gardens that rely on drips, soaker hoses, or flow irrigation
have more problems with spider mites. We use overhead sprinklers.

Washing off the bottom surface of the foliage with a strong
blast from the hose gives realistic control. It can give even
better control if it is spiked with insecticidal soap or
household liquid hand dishwashing detergent. Spider mites make
a protective web covering that is hard to penetrate and the
soap or detergent makes the water "wetter" for better control.

Bill

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