How to Control Strawberry Spider Mites

Strawberry spider mites are tiny insect-like organisms that thrive on a variety of plants and flowers, including the strawberry plant. They are often referred to as the "red spider" since they are red and have eight hairy legs. These tiny bugs appear in sporadic outbreaks -- one year your garden will be fine and the next year it may be overtaken. If it's a good year for the mites to thrive, controlling them is key to your garden's survival. If they are not controlled, they can eventually kill entire plants.

Things You'll Need

• Neoseiulus fallacis mites
• Garden sprayer
• Water
• Rosemary oil
• Hose

Instructions

1. Let a batch of 100 to 200 Neoseiulus fallacis mites loose around the strawberry plants. These mites feed on strawberry spider mites but not on the plants. Once the strawberry spider mite population is low or nonexistent, the predator mites will move on to a new location away from your garden. Neoseiulus fallacis mites are readily available on several Internet stores.

2. Fill a garden sprayer with water and add 1 tsp. of rosemary oil.

3. Attach the garden sprayer to a hose. Spray an even layer of the mixture over the strawberry plants. The smell of rosemary oil is a natural deterrent for strawberry spider mites. Repeat this once every three weeks.

4. Keep the plants moist at all times. Spider mites prefer hot, dry conditions, so the more moisture and humidity there is around the plants, the less likely spider mites are to inhabit them.

References

• Strawberry Spider Mites

Resources

• Order Neoseiulus Fallacis Mites