Infestations often spread to crops from the preferred hosts, weeds and certain flowers, that are nearby. Clearing these plants from around crops can reduce infestations. This method is effective, but is simply not enough. After more than twenty-five years of pesticide and miticide use, spider mites have developed a strong resistance to them. Farmers are turning to biological control methods.
Predaceous mites can drastically reduce spider mite infestations.
There are many behavioral aspects that need to be considered in both spider mites and predacious mites. Recognition of these behaviors can increase the success of biological control. Two common predacious mites are Neoseiulus californicus and Neoseiulus fallacis. N. californicus has greater within-plant dispersal than N. fallacis. Movement based on prey densities is a significant factor in the long term effectiveness of biological control.