Are Miticides Effective on Eriophyid Mites?
Even though miticides efficiently kill the microscopic arachnids called eriophyid mites, the following substances are seldom a smart selection for handling eriophyid infestations. Chemical controls, such as broad-spectrum miticides, can worsen the problem and result in greater damage from eriophyid mites and other insects. Targeted, less-toxic tactics deliver better results if eriophyid mites invade your yard.
Realizing Eriophyid Damage
Plant damage in eriophyid mites shows up in lots of ways, such as bronzed and blistered leaves, deformed growth, along with galls on leaves, stems, buds and blossoms. The unsightly damage generally causes no long-term damage to plants. Native mites exist, but nonnatives are introduced, too. Distinct eriophyid species target certain plants while leaving nearby plants untouched, often going undetected until damage grows. The best weapon against eriophyid mites is a healthy population of beneficial predatory mites. In some cases, eriophyids function as a food source which will keep valuable mites encompassing.
Limiting Broad-Spectrum Miticides
Broad-spectrum miticides kill eriophyid mites, but don’t stop there. Miticides kill all types of mites and may damage beneficial pollinators. Predator mites that kept eriophyids under limited and control dangerous mites, such as spider mites, get killed together with the objective. With predators eliminated, rapid reproduction rates fuel mite populations. Some miticides actually stimulate spider mite production. Even though a broad-spectrum chemical eliminates one eriophyid generation, it produces a predator-free environment for mites that hurt more than just the way the plant appears. Once eriophyid mites get to the gall phase, no treatment is successful. The galls protect the mites inside.
Utilizing Lower-Impact Pesticides
When chronic, unchecked eriophyid populations threaten your plants, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps may help. Female eriophyids overwinter, then emerge near spring bud break to feed and lay their eggs. Timely applications limit the damage to handy predators. Spray ready-to-use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap seven to ten days before bud break and again as bud break occurs. Cover all surfaces completely with the spray, such as leaf undersides, since the spray must speak to the mites. Spray on wind-free bearings with temperatures between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than squirt water-stressed plants. Wear gloves and safety goggles, and prevent all contact with exposed skin. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after spraying.
Maintaining Mites in Assess Naturally
Biological and cultural defenses restrict vulnerability to eriophyid mite damage. Encourage predator mites and reduce chemical resistance in insects by not using miticides. Plant mite-resistant cultivars, when accessible, and choose plants well-suited to your climate and soil. Make sure that your plants get the water and fertilizer they need because healthy plants resist pests and diseases better. Eliminate heavily infested plants in the garden, or even prune out affected branches. Eriophyid mites typically spread by wind, but they can travel to dirty garden tools. Sterilize pruning tool blades by wiping them with family disinfectant before and after every cut. Bag and dispose of eriophyid-damaged prunings to avoid spreading diseases or mites.