In comparison, TSM occurs in more humid growing areas such as along river bottoms. This mite is found in many Crops, but it is common for corn infestations to occur in fields with nearby alfalfa. Banks grass mite and two-spotted spider mite. Biological Control Preservation of biological control agents is critical to proper management of spider mite problems in corn. Thirty-five natural enemy species from 15 families of predatory Insects, mites and spiders have been associated with mites on corn.
Mites are also subject to fungal disease.
Commercial biological control is not cost effective, so conservation of naturally-occurring biological agents is essential. Many fields go untreated each year because the mites are held in check by various predatory mites, lady beetles, minute pirate bugs, lacewing larvae and thrips. A common cause of mite outbreaks is hot, dry conditions under which biological control agents cannot keep up with the increasing mite population. This is particularly a problem in drought-stressed corn. Adequate irrigation and other practices to avoid drought stress can help minimize mite buildups.