Garden Pests

Spider Mites

Description of Insect

tiny red green or yellow specks size of a grain

Description of Damage

suck sap from underside leaves
damage to leaves, small holes
spider web

Attacks

flowers, seedlings, tender plants,

Organic Controls:

Low BRIX ALERT raise the brix use a good Brix raising like Superseaweed or Invisible Gardeners Rock dust blend
floating row cover
destroy infested plants
use barriers/traps
A good trap/attractant is as follows: in a bowel place small apple cider, or vinegar. Attracts, replace with new mixture. try different types like wine, beer, whisky, etc. reduce food supply by controlling weeds

Safe Botanicals:

Cayenne Pepper (Tabasco sauce)
Garlic
Pyrethrium mixed with molasses
Dr. Bronners soap
Garden or Food Grade DE
see also DE Info
A sample formula for spraying: in a quart water filled near to top add: 5 drops Tabasco sauce 5 drops Dr. Bronners peppermint soap or use Jungle rain or any natural soap 2 drops garlic oil or crushed or bought spray on leaves and directly on bug. test for strength to avoid damage to plants. avoid beneficials be pest specific
A good dust mixture is: 1 part Pyrethrium 1 part Garden Grade DE 1 part alfalfa meal 1/8 part cayenne pepper dust around plants and under leaves, don't water for 24 hrs avoid beneficials, be pest specific

A NOTE ABOUT SOAP:

Do not use soaps that are chemically made or that have strange chemical additives or preservatives. Instead use only natural soap, either citrus or peppermint or coconut oil based are best but try herbal soaps. Use only a very small amount of soap and use only when necessary. for more information on soap From Using Soap to Using Ultra Fine Oil

Natural Predators