Here, our discussion will center mostly on available mite control chemicals being used.
The chemical approach to pest treatment has long been used with research on effective treatments being discovered. Mites are no exception to pests being treated with the chemical and natural control method.
You’ll get to choose the most suitable chemical treatment method for your situation.
Without further ado, let’s delve into our discussion by taking a look at these red spider mite control chemicals and how they work.
Red Spider Mites and Plant Damage
Contrary to what you might think, the “spider” included in its name has nothing in common with an actual spider.
Red spider mites are simply mites that cause damage to plants. These pests feed on plant saps and tissues by piercing cell walls on the back of plant leaves to suck juices.
This action does hurt the plant as it easily spots. Serious red spider mite infestations will lead to the death of such plants. These mites have a very short life cycle (about 4 days. As such, they could easily multiply and overrun your plants when ignored.
The problem with red spider mite presence is that it’s only noticeable when plants are already damaged or spotted. Now, chemical pretreatment of spider mite issues is one of the several preventive measures.
There are varieties of chemicals for spider mite control.
9 Control Chemicals for Red Spider Mites
When faced with a red spider mite presence, the appropriate action to take is to fight back using appropriate chemicals. Now, there are several of these that require different approaches to application.
Depending on what chemicals are used, a thorough understanding of the use directions is necessary.
Mite control chemical classification follows the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee’s (IRAC) mode of action (MoA). It has a detailed guideline that classifies the use of different mite control chemicals.
Examples of red spider mite control chemicals include Bifenazate (MOA 2), and Abamectin (MOA-6).
Other effective red spider mite control chemicals include Dicofol (MOA 20), Deltamethrin (MOA 3), Fluvalinate (MOA 3), Etoxazole (MOA 10B), and the Fenypyroximate (MOA 21).
More miticides include Spinosad (MOA 5), and Propargite (MOA 12). Let’s have a brief look at each of these.
i. Bifenazate (MOA 2)
When it comes to red spider mite control, Bifenazate (MOA 2) is one of the ready chemical control options that come to mind.
When applied to mites, this chemical causes a rapid cessation of feeding in addition to killing these pests.
Before application, you’ll need to ensure that you read through all the use instructions. This helps avoid plant damage and ensures safety.
ii. Abamectin (MOA-6)
Also one of the reliable red mite control chemicals, Abamectin is usage should only be done following all directions provided on the product label.
These instructions help with proper use as well as with safety.
As a spray product, this pesticide is applied to affected plants for both prevention and treatment of red mite infestations. Abamectin is known to be effective on all spider mite species, as such, is ideal for general use.
iii. Dicofol (MOA 20)
As an organochlorine pesticide, Dicofol belongs to the DDT family of chemicals that work effectively to combat red spider mite infestations.
As always, you’ll have to follow the use instructions on the product label or seek expert help on its application or usage.
iv. Deltamethrin (MOA 3)
This is an alpha-cyano pyrethroid consisting of one pure compound that effectively kills red spider mites wherever they may be found. When applied to plants correctly, it gives you the desired results against these parasitic pests.
However, extra caution has to be exercised when using deltamethrin to enhance safety and ensure that it achieves the desired effect.
This can be applied both as a preventive measure and also during an active red spider mite infestation.
v. Fluvalinate (MOA 3)
Being an effective miticide, Fluvalinate comes in handy both as a repellent and red spider mite exterminator product. This pest control chemical is most effective on mites at their most susceptible life stage.
However, your chance of achieving any real results depends on how well this miticide is applied.
vi. Etoxazole (MOA 10B)
This red spider mite control chemical can be used in greenhouses and other settings with great results. It should be used as recommended by the product manufacturer.
Details use directions are always contained on the product label.
You’ll need to find out what other parasites are killed by it. Etoxazole comes as a spray product that’s applicable using spray equipment. It’s possible to find cases where red spider mites develop resistance to this pesticide.
This is why the rotational use of several pesticides is recommended.
vii. Fenypyroximate (MOA 21)
Red mites are also common on poultry livestock.
Irrespective of where the infestation lies, this is one product you can use to fight back infestation. However, you’ll need to find out the exact use directions provided on the label by the manufacturer.
Pest control technicians may use this chemical as one of the pesticide products in their arsenal for pest control.
viii. Spinosad (MOA 5)
Where there are fears of harming beneficial insects while eliminating red spider mites, spinosad is one product that offers the needed results.
That is, being harmless to beneficial organisms while having the desired extermination effect on mites.
As always, always refer to the product label for detailed directions on its usage. If there are doubts, it’s better to seek professional help or conduct some research before applying.
ix. Progargite (MOA 12)
As a selective acaricide, this chemical product is widely used on a variety of plants including vines, and fruit trees for red spider mite control. It can be used for professional applications as well as by individuals.
In the case of the latter, a thorough understanding of its use directions is necessary.
Little impact is made when this chemical product isn’t applied correctly. Plus, the user is exposed to danger due to unsafe usage.
Consult a Pest Control Expert
If you have no idea how best to apply mite control chemicals, it’s best to consult an expert for directions or application.
These are some popular mite control chemicals you can use to treat your red spider mite problem.