Tetranychus urticae

Red spider mites are among the most destructive microscopic pests in South African home gardens. These minuscule arachnids rapidly infest plants, sucking out chlorophyll and leaving leaves mottled, yellowed, and stippled. As populations build, fine silk webbing becomes visible, particularly on the undersides of leaves, often marking the beginning of rapid decline. Their explosive reproductive rate — under optimal hot, dry conditions — allows for massive infestations within days, not weeks.

Managing red spider mites requires a multi-pronged approach. Preventative measures are by far the most effective strategy, as reacting to established infestations often proves costly in terms of lost crops and the time required to restore balance. Integrated pest management, which combines live predators, targeted biological sprays, and diligent monitoring, can suppress and prevent these pests without disrupting beneficial insect populations.

Cultural practices such as regular misting (red spider mites dislike humidity), removing heavily infested leaves, and avoiding chemical insecticides — which often decimate their natural enemies — can dramatically reduce the likelihood of infestations. Preventative releases of predatory mites early in the season are the most effective approach. Begin applications before visible mite activity, especially during warm, dry months. A backup strategy includes biological sprays using entomopathogenic fungi to reduce populations without harming beneficials.

• Beneficial Insects

  • Spical (Neoseiulus californicus)
    A generalist predatory mite that establishes well under varied humidity and temperature. Ideal for preventative control of red spider mite and related species.

  • Spidex (Phytoseiulus persimilis)
    A specialist predator that aggressively attacks all life stages of red spider mite. Works well both curatively and preventatively, feeding on pollen when mites are absent.

  • Swirskii – Ultimite (Amblyseius swirskii)
    A slow-release sachet system containing predatory mites effective against young red spider mites, as well as thrips and whitefly.

  • Spider Mite Eliminator Package
    A combined package containing both Spidex and Swirskii to offer broad-spectrum mite suppression across multiple crops.

  • Aphid / Mite / Whitefly Package
    This IPM combo includes Spidex and Swirskii, delivering comprehensive coverage against red spider mite and common soft-bodied pests.

• Biologicals

  • Eco-Bb® (Beauveria bassiana)
    A fungal-based biological insecticide that penetrates and kills red spider mites and other soft-bodied insects. Apply as a preventative or at the first sign of infestation and repeat every 7–14 days.