| How do I get spider mites? I tried ever thing I was told that might help. I even pulled up flower beds. I just finished pulling up another bed. Thank you June McLeod |
| June, I am sorry for this delayed reply to your gardening question. The spring rush has brought a deluge of questions and we are working hard to catch up! Strong sprays of water from beneath the plant will dislodge the pests and significantly reduce their ability to build up to damaging numbers. Use a high pressure, fine droplet spray once a week, making sure to contact the undersides of all the leaves for best results. The safest products to use are insecticidal soaps and horticultural or summer (not dormant) oils. Make sure and spray upward from beneath the plant as these products only work when they contact the pests. Spray early in the day when temperatures are cool and do not mix the spray stronger than the labeled rate. Retreatment every 10 to 14 days may be needed. Avoid oil sprays when temperatures rise into the upper 80's and above. There are also miticide products on the market with names such as Kelthane that are very effective. Thanks for the question. Best wishes for a wonderful gardening season. Please stop in again soon! |
