Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

I'm just wondering if these are spider mites?  If you look closely you'll see a web and lots of white dots.  Plants have been developing yellow leaves since last spring and dropping until bare, then regrowing.

I've been spraying with a Bayer product for mites, but they seem to be coming back (if they are indeed mites).

Can anyone diagnose and provide advice?  I've lost 2 or 3 plants since March.

Thanks,

Chris

Hi Chris,

From your photo it appears that you have a significant spider mite infestation. There is lots of web and mites are visible all over it. I've never had much luck with Bayer products for mites. I'm nothing close to an expert but I don't think the miticide they use is a very effective one.  Check the Hibiscus Doctor link on this website. There is an extensive section on spider mites with a lot of great information.  I'd start with washing the mites away with a strong jet of water to get rid of a significant number of mites. Horticultural oil spray will take care of the mites and eggs but pay close attention on how to use it and avoid breathing in the fine mist. A high quality mask is a must.  For me the water bath treatment is more work than I want to fool with but it is a very effective treatment as it will destroy the mites and eggs. Cindy is the expert on that technique. If you can afford it, Kontos systemic is probably the best long term solution once you get the mite infestation under control, especially if your collection is fairly small. That makes it more affordable as one container of it will last a long time.  Keeping the area where your plants are being grown clean and dust free is very helpful in decreasing repeat infestations.  Hope that helps a bit.

dave

Thanks Dave, that is very helpful.  I'll try all of your suggestions!!

Chris

I purchased a small container of Kontos (which I'm convinced must have gold somewhere inside) and will start using it shortly.  I read in one of the forums about Charlie's protocol or guidelines for using it.

Charlie can you send me a copy, or explain how to utilize?

thanks, Chris

Hi Chris,

I can say that using Kontos has been by far the best way I have stopped and eliminated spider mite attacks.  David gives you great advice to spray first and clean up underneath your plants the best you can.  I spray my plants almost daily with a nutrient spray (just for feeding purposes) and that spraying action in itself seems to really help with controlling them spider mites.  I haven't seen hardly any this season and it has been a really hot last month and a half here in Los Angeles.

As for Kontos I would highly recommend using it as a systemic which means to mix it in when you water.  The combination of spraying your plants with a strong jet of water (and make sure you really get the undersides of leaves - that is their homes) and then feeding your plant Kontos is a knockout punch.  Whatever spider mites are left alive after spraying will then feed on your leaves.  As they ingest the sap with the Kontos they are goners.  Even after the feeding ones are gone laid eggs hatch and new ones start to feed on your plants but the Kontos is still in the plant and will kill them off too.  I have found for me that watering with Kontos once per week over two or three weeks has been sufficient to totally kill them off.  

Also keep in mind that as the weather gets hotter their life cycle shortens drastically all the way down to 3 days for eggs to be laid to hatching.  So if you don't act quickly they can multiply like crazy and create a huge infestation fast.

I hope that helps...

Farmer D

I also bought one of the bug wands available from the online store to wash the critters away.  I'll give them the first dose of Kontos tomorrow.  They seem to be free of webs and visable mites right now after treating last week with the Bayer mitacide and spraying any remaining mites with water under pressure today.  I've also cleaned up the surface of the soil and relocated the plants to hopefully a less spidermite friendly area.

Thanks for your help, I'll follow up in a few weeks.

C.

Chris, watch your email for an answer to your question.

Charlie