Question

pest on phal   QUESTION: Hi Wayne King,

I've attached the photo of another phal.

Any advice to remove them completely ?

Thanks in advance,
Nwe Lay

ANSWER: I can suggest several insecticides effective against spider mites, but I don't know if they are on the market where you live.  These include Kelthane, Temik granules, and diazinon. Sprays may need to be repeated every 2-3 days until they are gone and all of the eggs have hatched.  If you can't locate these sprays, check those at your local garden center that list effective against spider mites.  Mites prefer fairly dry conditions so daily misting may discourage their establishment.

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QUESTION: Is there any environmental-friendly method?

Thanks,

Answer
There are predatory mites which have been used to control spider mites but I'm not sure where you can obtain a supply. The least toxic miticides to humans are Neem oil and Cinnamite- both derived from plants.  Neem Oil is a Dyna Grow product and Cinnamite is a product of Mycotech Corp.. The latter leaves a cinnamon fragrance when sprayed.  Neem Oil is a product of the Neem Tree which is native to India. The main problem with mites is that they go through 5 different stages.  Only later stages have the red coloration-- otherwise, earlier stages, are clear or a light green. For this reason, some have referred  to the two-spotted mite and red mite as separate.  They are actually the same species.  Use of either Neem Oil or Cinnamite requires repeated spraying every few days until all signs have disappeared.  I prefer to use a more toxic systemic insecticide in place of, or in addition to, these sprays. I prefer the systemics that come in granular form. While they leave an unpleasant odor until watered into the potting mix, it provides the advantages of being absorbed into the plant tissues, remain effective for at least 6 weeks. kill the insects that ingest it.  However, mites do go through a dormant phase when they do not feed. Once you think you have achieved control you need to constantly monitor as those mites coming out of dormancy can begin to feed on the plant saps again.  It is also recommended that you isolate infected plants from you collection as mites can travel to other plants.