Red Spider Mite (forum)

Tiggerbow starts with ...
Hi All,
I have a problem with the dredded red spider mite.
The photo is of my Dwarf Peach on the 26th of May. I trimmed off the worse damage and since the peach was dropping leaves anyway, most of the leaves came off. I then sprayed with Eco Oil a couple of times. I thought I had the problem under control, but a look at my garden this afternoon uncovered quite a number of spider mite living in the mulch around the tree.
I went to Bug Central on the net and ordered some predatory mites (Persimilis).
I was wondering if anyone has had experience with red spider mite and if the predatory mite is the way to go.
I want to keep my garden as natural as possible so I don't want to use any harsh chemicals.
Any help is appreciated
Thanks : o )
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 9th August 2009 7:32pm

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About the Author Tiggerbow
Perth WA
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amanda says...
Hi Tiggerbow - I must say that's an awesum pic of R.S.mite! It's good enuf' for a plant pathology book...(not that that helps u...)

Roleystone Julie told me about using wettable sulphur ... and I get these on my cape gooseberries always.. they love dry conditions..but hate water ... while u are waiting for your predators - try giving the plants a thorough squirting with a hose jet. It works well for me. Leave some food for your predators tho'...? You may need to practice prevenion rather than cure, in future.

R.S.Mites are becoming increasingly resistant to chemical treatment anyway so it's wise not to use them - the chemical u would need is a bit gruesome... good luck!

Time: 9th August 2009 8:28pm

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About the Author amanda19
Geraldton. WA
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Tiggerbow says...
Thanks for the info Amanda.
I will get the hose out - it is lucky we are having some rain for the next few days too.
I had never had a problem with anything like this in the garden before.
I think it might have been the long warm Autumn we had.
They seemed to have sprung up overnight too.
The peach tree is almost at bud burst at the moment so there is nothing for the spider mite to eat.
(the photo was taken last May and the tree has since shed all leaves (as they do in winter))
They haven't attacked anything else either. There are potatoes and a passionfruit growing nearby but they have not been touched. I just saw the spider mite on the mulch in the garden (I am using sugar cane mulch). I will keep the water up and await my little predatory critters.
Thanks!
Jodie

Time: 10th August 2009 3:39pm

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About the Author Tiggerbow
Perth WA
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Posts: 30
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amanda says...
Hi Tiggerbow - I would b keen to hear how the predators go 2! let us know how it all pans out won't you.

Time: 10th August 2009 5:17pm

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About the Author amanda19
Geraldton. WA
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