They're mighty Mite-y, and they're letting it all hang out.

[Denninmi]

With apologies to The Commodores, I just wanted to let people know that this extreme heat and drought has created PERFECT conditions for spider mite populations to explode. They love heat, and they hate moisture. I am seeing mites on not just "the usual suspects" such as my Datura, but all throughout the ecosystem on trees, perennials, annuals, vegetables. Some poetic justice, I guess, but I've seen a number of weeds even heavily infested.

If you're seeing plants that look like this (not my photos), they have mites:





For light infestations, repeated dousing of the undersides of the leaves with water will help. If it gets more serious, you may need to explore other options.

[HopeHoops]

1. Don't you have any lady bugs?

[Denninmi]

3. Here's an article on biological control using ladybugs and "predator mites"

I think a lot of this is still in the experimental phase, not widely available to end consumers (home gardeners).

http://live.psu.edu/story/42616

[NJCher]

2. wondered what this was

I was going to look it up but you saved me the trouble.


Cher

[elleng]

4. Had them on 3 miniature roses I kept on the porch; gave up!

Large rose bushes may have some, but also some other creepy crawlies which eat HOLES in leaves, leaving them like skeletons! OH MY!

[beac]

5. Little buggers took out my pretty Columbine plant earlier this year and they are besieging my

green beans. So far, these are their only victims, but I'm nervous.

[Curmudgeoness]

6. I am sure that some may have a problem with this remedy,

but I make a "tea" from tobacco and spray it on plants with spider mites. It has always worked for me for most pests I have had, but I don't use it unless I have a serious problem, since I don't normally use any chemicals that will harm beneficial insects. I used this one year for white fly infestation and I have never had white flies since. I understand that this is a dangerous chemical to use, and never use it on or around tomatoes.