So after years of battling spider mites on my tomatoes. I finally have had a successfull year with a horticultural oil spray. This is the only thing that has killed the mites and helped me keep my plants growing enough to get tomatoes. I really like this since it does not kill off any beneficials or leave any nasty residues (I make my own with canola oil, dr.bronners, and water).

I have no doubt it is working since the 'maters are 6 foot tall and very full of tomatoes. In past years they would have been long dead by end of July.

I know that the stippling pattern does not go away and you will always see the damage. However, when I flip over the leaves, I still see mites. They are not moving at all as compared to before I spray.

Am I safe in assuming these guys are dead? I know the oil smothers them, I am assuming that since they aren't moving and my plants are surviving that they are just stuck on the plants but are now harmless and dead.

thanks

kendra