 Gardening Software for
WaterWise, Xeriscape and Drought Tolerant Plantsthat incorporates Organic Gardening and Organic Pest Control |
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Extract from the Colourful WaterWise Gardening
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Mites |
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 Red Spider Mites spinning a web between Stachys leaves. (Greatly enlarged.)
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Pest Class: Arachnida Order: Acarina Mites are minute spiders which can attack fruit trees, ornamental plants and vegetables. They breed prolifically in warm dry conditions, and are therefore a serious pest for indoor and patio plants. During summer they gather on the underside of leaves, where they spin a rusty coloured mat-like web. Plants under attack from mites are easily recognized by the yellowish appearance of their foliage, which falls prematurely. The Red Spider Mite ( Tetranychus ), also known as Two spotted Mite, is dull yellow with 2 dark spots on its back during summer and changes colour to all over red in winter. Although under 1mm long (1/16in) it can just be seen with the naked eye. Red legged Earth Mites ( Halotydeus destructor ) are about 1mm (1/16in) long, velvety black, and as their name suggests they have red legs. In winter groups of the Earth Mite's red eggs can be seen on the underside of leaves or on the soil. Using organic gardening methods will result in an abundance of insect life, both predators and pests, in one's garden. Thus by employing these insects, outbreaks of mites can be controlled effectively using organic pest control. Hover flies, lacewings, ladybirds, and wasps all prey on mites. The predatory bugs ( Order: Hemiptera ) of the Anthocoridae family also feed on mite eggs. These bugs are extremely small, less than 5mm (¼in) long, brown or black, and can be found living amongst leaf litter. A Lime / Sulphur spray, which has exceptionally low toxicity levels, will kill the mites providing care is taken to wet the underside of the leaves. A 'red oil' spray, used between June and August on deciduous trees, will destroy a large percentage of the mite's eggs and significantly reduce the numbers emerging the following Spring. A nicotine spray is also effective against mites. Mites are preyed on by : Hover flies, lacewings, ladybirds, predatory bugs ( Anthocoridae ) and wasps. |
| Text & Photos (unless otherwise stated) © Copyright Lyn Phillips 1999-2009 © Copyright Design The WaterWise Garden 1999-2009 ABN 94 911 811 923 All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited. Last Updated 25 May 2009 |
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