First of all you need to figure out if the “little red spiders” are clover mites or red spider mites. Clover mites are relatively harmless while red spider mites are a garden pest that you will need to control.
Clover Mites
In late spring to early summer you tend to see the “little red spiders” and what you see are most likely Clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa). They are small, reddish mites, about the size of a pin head and usually moving around very quickly. If you would happen to crush one of them, they can leave a red stain. Clover mites are sometimes confused with red spider mites. Clover mites generally live and feed in grass and for the most part remain unnoticed. Every once in a while populations can get very large and the mites start to migrate from the grass. They are not harmful to people or pets and will not harm your plants or lawn. Clover mites are generally just a nuisance.
Burger Farm and Garden recommends using Bug Blaster Bifenthrin 2.4 to control Clover Mites.
Red Spider Mites
Red Spider Mites however are garden pests that affect a wide variety of plants. A plant that is infested by red spider mites will start to look unhealthy and will have a dusty appearance to the undersides of their leaves. Close inspection will reveal that the dust is actually moving and is in fact the spider mites. The plant may also have some webbing on the underside or on the branches of plant. The best way to control red spider mites is through the use of insecticidal soaps and oils. Applications of these products should be applied every 5 to 7 days for 21 continual days because the spider mite has a 5 to 7 day reproductive cycle and it’s important to break that chain.
Burger Farm and Garden recommend the following products to control spider mites…
- Organic approaches – Insecticidal Soap, Fertilome Fruit Tree Spray, Horticultural Oil Spray, Triple Action Plus Insect Spray.
- Pesticide approaches – Malathion 55%, Bug Blaster Bifenthrin 2.4, Bayer 3-1 Insect, Disease, Mite control
Contact Us (513-561-8634) Today for More Information!
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About Burger Farms
The Most Beautiful Yards in Cincinnati come from Burger Farm and Garden Center. Family owned and operated since 1904, we supply all of your landscape and gardening needs in one convenient spot. We provide our customers the freshest plants and best gardening accessories in the Greater Cincinnati area. Our full time staff has over 100 years of experience in the gardening business and are always ready to help. Throughout the year Burger Farms also transforms itself into holiday specific attractions for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!