Lead time needed by producer to spray. Evaluate borderline mite densities during these periods in light of possible re-entry difficulties. Irrigation scheduling-orchards expected to need water within 10 to 14 days of an anticipated action threshold should be sprayed prior to irrigation. Miticide used in previous spray treatment-mite populations may rebound quickly following use of low residual materials. Citrus red mites, first observed in 1980, are distributed throughout the Valley and have become a major citrus pest, particularly in the mid-Valley area between US 77 and US 281.
Red mites feed on tender new leaves and populations increase with new growth flushes.
Information about natural control agents in the Valley is not sufficient to determine when control action is most appropriate. Control action guidelines for red mite on Texas citrus are incomplete pending further research on natural control agents and tree tolerance levels. Texas citrus mites do not require specific control action in most seasons if trees and fruit are protected from other mite and insect pests. Threshold levels vary according to tree vigor and should be determined by period during which heavy feeding is sustained rather than by specific mite numbers. Numbers exceeding 10 adult mites per leaf over a period of 30 days have been associated with winter defoliation of crown leaves.