Red Spider Mite

About this pest

The red spider mite, a tiny terror in the garden world, can wreak havoc on South African plants. Let’s delve into their world to understand their characteristics, why they become pests, and how to keep them at bay:

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Minute! Adults are only about 0.2-1.5mm long, barely visible to the naked eye.
• Colour: Reddish-orange, though colour can vary depending on species and feeding stage.
• Body: Soft-bodied, oval-shaped, with eight legs and prominent mouthparts for piercing and sucking.
• Movement: Slow-moving, often found on the undersides of leaves, spinning fine silken webs.

Common South African Names:

• Rooispinnekop (Afrikaans) – Red spider
• Spinkopmyt (Afrikaans) – Spider mite

Why are Red Spider Mites Pests?

• Plant sap feeders: They pierce leaves and suck sap, disrupting nutrient flow and causing yellowing, stippling, and leaf drop.
• Rapid reproduction: Females lay numerous eggs daily, allowing for quick population explosions.
• Wide range of hosts: Attack a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, and even houseplants.
• Stress tolerance: Thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be difficult to control.

Combatting Red Spider Mites:

Monitoring: Regularly inspect leaf undersides for tiny mites, webs, and stippling damage.

Natural methods:

• • • Encourage natural predators: Lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory mites feed on red spider mites.
    • Neem oil spray: Disrupts their feeding and development.
    • Insecticidal soap spray: Can kill mites on contact, but reapplication might be needed.

Cultural practices:

• • • Watering: Increase humidity around plants, as mites thrive in drier conditions.
    • Strong water sprays: Dislodge mites and webs from leaves.
    • Plant resistance: Choose plant varieties less susceptible to mite infestations.

Chemical control: Use registered acaricides specifically targeting spider mites as a last resort due to environmental impact and potential harm to beneficial insects.

Remember:

• Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent significant damage from red spider mites.
• Combine multiple control methods for a sustainable approach, prioritizing natural and organic strategies whenever possible.
• Identify the specific mite species affecting your plants for targeted control measures.

By understanding the biology and behaviour of red spider mites and implementing proactive steps, you can protect your South African plants from these microscopic menaces and keep your garden thriving.