Help with lemon tree / citrus mites?

9 years ago

Hey everyone! This is my first post, so please forgive me if i miss something.

About 2 weeks ago I brought in our improved meyer lemon tree from outside to inside (due to upcoming weather). We've only had it for about 8 months so this is the first winter ever. I've been keeping it under a heat lamp for about 8 hours a day or moving it to a window when it's nice out. (didnt know in advance that i should have prepared it better for the switch)

Luckily, it seems to have flourished and is budding. No clue why it didn't do it all summer when it was outside!

Anyway, today I noticed tiny little red dots on the leafs. I did some research and found references to citrus mites. Initially, I didn't think that was the problem since my dots seemed really flat. I thought maybe it was pollen. Then I stared at them for a few minutes and noticed just one of them barely moving (walking)! So I guess, now I think they are mites. Most of them look pretty dead and are not moving. Not sure how big of a problem this is.

I'm attaching a photo I took of the "worst" leaf that is covered the most. There are dots on quite a few leaves, but not all of them. I realize it's hard to tell what's going on. Does everyone agree they are mites? Does anyone have a natural solution to treat this? I'm trying to avoid harsh chemicals. One of the reasons for getting the plant is so that we know what was put on it (can keep it as natural as possible). If you don't think I need to do anything and this problem will take care of itself, let me know about that too.

Thanks! And I look forward to learning so much from all of you!!!

Featured Answer

Laura LaRosa (7b)

9 years ago

Sammers, I have Pro-Tekt, but had no idea I should (or could) use it with neem. Next time I'll try that. Jimmy, I use Amazon for everything!! It is great!

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Comments (13)

Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
9 years ago
I can't tell for sure from your photos but it looks like you are correct. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap and repeat every week. Use a magnifying glass to check periodically to make sure they don't return. To prevent them coming back, mist with water.
T L thanked Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
myermike_1micha
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Neem and some good liquid soap like Ivory.You can also mix in Rosemary Oil, pure stuff and alcohol ) Spray every week for 3 weeks...Under and over the leaves and do a soil drench along with cleaning or spraying the outside of your pots..

I'm surprised they have not caused your bud to drop just yet!
T L thanked myermike_1micha
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Laura LaRosa (7b)
9 years ago
Yep...listen to Mike and Vladimir. I've been dealing with mites as well. Welcome!
T L thanked Laura LaRosa (7b)
T L
Original Author
9 years ago
You all are the best! Thanks a ton! Looks like home depot might sell some neem. I'll be picking some up tomm and probably starting tonight with some ivory soap just to try to be safe.
jinnylea
9 years ago
Be sure to follow the directions on the back label of the neem. Good luck.
myermike_1micha
9 years ago
If you do get Neem, I would invest in the pure COLD PRESSED one from Dyna-Grow sold on amazon or at a local garden center if they carry it...

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=dyna+grow+neem&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=76938573626&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12924638235423516303&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001881&hvtargid=kwd-34999021967&ref=pd_sl_8rvkpph2yi_b
T L
Original Author
9 years ago
awesome, thanks for the link! super easy with my prime subscription and same day delivery in philly.
Sammers510
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I ordered the Dyna-Gro Neem for my trees and it works great as far as I tell, something I didn't realize when ordering it is that the manufacturers instructions recommend using it with their ProTeKt product or a mild dish soap, because mild dish soap wasn't terrible specific (and I feared my Dawn would mess it up) I ended up ordering the ProTeKt as well but because I made two separate orders I had to wait almost a week to spray. Just something to keep in mind if your placing a Amazon order and you value speed. Good luck with your tree!
T L thanked Sammers510
T L
Original Author
9 years ago
appreciate the extra tips. haven't placed my order yet but will definitely consider getting both neem and protekt at once to make it easier! i'd rather be safe than sorry and i'm about as new to this as a person can be haha
evdesert 9B Indio, CA
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Home Depot also sells a great product called organocide, it's an oil based spray. I use it all the time it works extremely well on my trees.

Evan
season55
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Welcome Jimmy, to the forums!
Sammers510
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Laura, I don't know if its all that important to use with it vs dish soap since its just an emulsifier but I figure Dyna-Gro hasn't led me astray yet and some pest resistance/stronger leaves sound appealing.This is the instructions on the bottle of the Neem.

And this is the ProTeKt if anyone is curious about it. I am going to start including it in my watering regime as well at the maintenance dosage and see if I notice any difference.