Spider Mites

[Charlie]

Kristen, how they overwinter depends on what type of mite. The most common hibiscus mite is the 2 spotted spider mite, easily id's by looking for the prominent spot on each side of the body. Two spotted mites overwinter as mated females that hide under rough bark and in other protected hiding places, including debris around the base of the plants. Most other mite species lay eggs in similar protected places and those eggs overwinter waiting for warmer conditions.

You probably have two-spotted spider mites, and their eggs won't last longer than a month, and can hatch in a week when its warmer. But when green leaves are present and temps are above 60F 2 spotted mites will continue to feed all winter. Kontos might get them all if they continue to feed, and if it's used as we discussed.

Charlie

[blupit007]

Thank you, I will keep you posted!

[Louis]

Update on systemic Kontos for mites.

IT WORKS, NOT A BUG IN SITE.

my plants have never looked so good. I have reached hibiscus Nirvana.

i have been using it for 3 weeks and am very pleased.

Louis

[Charlie]

Glad to hear it, Lou.

At $150-$200 per bottle it is expensive but for most people one bottle will last for years. Since it is best used as a drench rather than a spray it is also easy to apply and there is a much reduced risk of getting pesticide on you. Even soaps and oils are not good for your lungs if you spray them without a respirator.

If anyone decides to order it (available online in most states) please let me know so I can relate the way to use it that has proven to work for me, Lou, and several others. It's a new product that may be harder to get outside the US or have a different name. The active ingredient is spirotetramat - try that name if Kontos is not available. As always when using a pesticide, follow label precautions and keep away from children, pets and so forth.

Charlie

[blupit007]

I did my first application yesterday.  Here's to hoping.  Although I do not have much of a problem right now because it is butt cold already here, but I want to wipe out any possible stragglers.  I will keep you in the loop.

BTW, I got it off eBay from a woman named Hope from Sunshine Gardens in FL.  Very nice woman to speak to.  And it was the cheapest around.  Shipped quickly, got it within a week.  $174.99

[Charlie]

Congratulations! You are well on the way to mite and insect free hibiscus.

One thing I forgot to talk about in the directions is that this pesticide must be absorbed into the plant through the roots for it to work. During hot summer that happens quickly but in winter it can take a much longer time. If you water too soon after applying it the water can leach the Kontos out of the pot before it gets taken up and then it won't work. If you have saucers and the run-off water is taken back into the pot there is no concern because it will eventually get into the plant but if run-off is disposed of or runs off onto deck, etc you could remove the Kontos before it ever gets into the plant. So, give it time before watering again or use saucers so the run-off is used eventually.

Charlie

[Louis]

AMEN

[Doll]

Does Kontos work on thrips or is it still best to use Spinosad? I have never had a spider mite problem on my hibiscus. Houston's humidity has its advantages.

[Charlie]

Doll, the label claims to "suppress" thrips which is not the same as "controlling" thrips. So far I haven't seen that it does much to western flower thrips, the type we are most concerned with, which makes sense because that thrip feeds on the pollen of the open flowers and lays its eggs in the flower buds. It doesn't suck juice or eat the leaves so it does not take in the Kontos.

As of now, I am still recommending spinosad for thrips but if those of us using Kontos end up with no thrips problems we'll amend that.

Charlie

[Charlie]

Great sign, Lou!!!

Hibiscus Bug Free Zone is what every hibiscus grower would love to have.

Charlie

[Nievesgirl]

So I bought this product called Doktor Doom Spider mite knock out.

Before I bought this I did some research on some reefer forums    Everyone said it works and is the best. I got to cans of it so now I will try it and see how it does. I will report back with result later.

[blupit007]

Good luck Kerry!  Hope it works. My higher dose of Kontos is doing pretty good.  We shall see in the summer time though!

[Lemuria]

Plain ol soap and water has worked for me with spider mites.    I had a horrible infestation on a Cat Palm I'd gotten from Wal-Mart (Thanks Wal-Mart!=p) I don't know if any of you have had palms, but Palms+Spider Mites=Nightmare lol. And this was a large palm!

Anyways the trick was to keep doing it every few days for about a month.(You could probably do it less long but I wanted to be very thorough and not take chances)  And get everything! Not miss an inch.  And always vacuum the floor around it. It has been over a year since, and not one spider mite has returned

Then  an arrowhead vine/goosefoot I had boughten in from Lowes had them.  They showed up a week later so I must guess they were dormant in eggs. Anyways same treatment(for a week)  Not one since.   I could even see the dead mites too from after the soap.  The others I had picked off.  On that plant I made the soap concentration a bit higher. and it didn't hurt the leaves. Used Liquid Ivory.

G luck.  Dang mites!

[helixturnhelix]

I agree just spraying with hot soapy water,has kept my plants clean, happy and mite free!  I do it every two weeks as prevention, it also helps keep the plants clean and maximizes photosynthesis.

[farmer d]

I like the organic approach a lot. 

Any issues with the soap getting on the soil and then soaked up by the plant?
Just wondering if that would do any harm.

Farmer D