Some (but not all) insecticides will control certain plant-feeding mites. Eliminating moderate to heavy mite infestations on plants may require the use of specific pesticides known as miticides. Always read and follow the directions accompanying the product you are using. Some miticides may harm or discolor certain types of landscape plants. Good spray coverage is essential. Thoroughly wet the foliage, especially the undersides of leaves, to contact as many mites as possible. In most cases, two or more applications at 5-10 day intervals will be needed for satisfactory control. Mite eggs that have not hatched are unaffected by most miticides; the same may be true of larvae and nymphs that are molting. During molting, mites remain inactive beneath the former skin, which serves as a barrier against insecticides. Consequently, if only one application is made, some of the mites may survive and the infestation will persist. Contact your local Extension office for miticide and insecticide recommendations. Other effective homeowner options include horticultural oils and insecticidal/miticidal soaps. Horticultural oils and soaps can be effective alternatives to conventional miticides, but require thorough coverage so that all mite stages are contacted. Horticultural oils can be used on landscape plants during the warmer months of the year when green foliage is present and the plants (and mites) are actively growing. Dormant oils are applied in winter or early spring prior to bud break, or in the fall after the leaves have dropped and there have been several light frosts. They are useful for killing overwintering mite eggs.

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