Spider mite prevention?

17 years ago

Hi Folks!

Every year I start seeds under lights in my basement. For the past two years the seedlings have been attacked by spider mites! The poor tiny seedlings really suffer--it's no fun.

After it happened the first year, I realized that I had stored a few dormant (semi-dormant, really) tropicals nearby--specifically a couple of brugmansias, which seem to be magnets for spider mites. So the second year I was very careful to move the brugs further away from the seedlings. Still, I had them in the basement--just on the other side. And the seedlings were attacked again.

So this year I've moved every plant--dormant or not out of that side of the basement entirely. (The basement is divided by a wall, and the dormant plants are on the other side of the wall with a closed door and a reasonable amount of space between them.)

I'm cleaning up any bits of leaves or other plant matter that is lying around, and this year I'll clean my seedling pots and trays well. Anything else I should do? Obviously the mites overwinter outdoors, but can they stay dormant without any food source in my basement for long? Would it help to spray the lights, table, and floor with vinegar or such?

It would really be nice to have healthy seedlings this year!

Thanks!

Elizabeth

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Comments (7)

Kimmsr
17 years ago
Spider Mite adults can be dormant for a fairly long time and then when conditions are right move to plants and lay eggs that become even more Spider Mites. If your seedling starting area has wooden benches and look something like tree bark, with cracks and crevices, then a good cleanup will help in the future. This link may help provide more information.

Here is a link that might be useful: Spider Mites
meyermike_1micha
17 years ago
About how long can mites stay dormant?
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Elizabeth White
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks Kimmsr!

I wish I knew how long they can stay dormant!

Anyone know?

Also, I'm thinking of spraying with vinegar--since there aren't any plants there, it shouldn't cause any harm. I also have some citrisol cleaner (orange extract), and I wonder if that would be helpful as well. I'm sure the evil little mites are hiding all over in my basement, just waiting for tender little seedlings!
Kimmsr
17 years ago
Spider Mites would only stay dormant, normally, when conditions are not good for them, ie. winter, although some egs can delay development during too hot weather.
petzold6596
17 years ago
Adult spider mite become inactive (dormant) at temps below 50 degrees. I assume you room is/was above that temp so any mite would have been active. Also, if any 'emerging' adult don't find food they will die since they will/have used up their stores during dormancy.
Michael
17 years ago
Don't leave any toothpicks lying around either, they can pole vault :)
meyermike_1micha
17 years ago
hahahahahahhahahahahhahhaa...lol