How to Eliminate Mites on Green Bean Leaves

Green beans, eggplants and tomatoes are among the vegetable plants that are susceptible to an infestation of spider mites during the growing season. Mites thrive in hot, dry climates and can destroy green bean plants very quickly. Beginning a control treatment as soon as the mites appear can save your green bean plants from harm.

Things You'll Need

• Dish detergent
• Measuring spoons
• Spray bottle
• Miticide

Instructions

1. Combine 1 tsp. of a liquid dish detergent in a gallon of water. Pour it into a manual spray bottle if you have a small patch of green beans in your garden. Use a larger, commercial spraying system for more expansive plots of green beans.

2. Spray green bean leaves with the mixture of dish detergent and water to eliminate spider mites and other insects. Be sure to treat both sides of the leaves; mites are tiny and may hide on the underside of bean leaves. Treat the bean leaves for four consecutive days, and repeat the treatment after a five-day break.

3. Eliminate mites from green bean plants through more aggressive chemical controls if the detergent treatment does not bring about satisfactory results. Texas A & M's AgriLIFE Extension suggests using miticides that contain suplhur or Kelthane, especially when treating beans early in the growing season.

Tips & Warnings

• The University of Florida recommends a twice-weekly visual inspection of green bean leaves to check for spider mites.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Insect Management for Legumes
• Texas A & M AgriLIFE Extension: Beans
• Ohio State University Extension: Spider Mites and Their Control