Spider mites can become a nasty pest in greenhouses, patios and plant rooms during the late summer. Chemical sprays have little effect once infestation occurs. Fortunately, spider mites can be controlled with predatory mites. For instance, Neoseiulus californicus is a mite that will prey upon the spider mite, broad mite and cyclamen mite. Predatory mites should be released at first sign of spider mite infestation.
Botanical insecticides are available at most nurseries locally.
Biological controls, like nematodes and predatory mites can be purchased mail order. The California EPA offers a free pamphlet listing suppliers of beneficial organisms in North America. 1020 N Street, Room 161, Sacramento CA, 95814-5604 . Terry Kramer is a Bayside free-lance writer and owner of Jacoby Creek Nursery.