Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Used Avid today, 0 by bettydee

bettydee wrote:
Steph, the photo shows what broadmite damage looks like. The leaves are deformed and thickened. You can't see broadmites only their damage. You can see spidermites if you use a good magnifying glass. If you tap the leaves over a white sheet of paper, you will get s dusting of dark or reddish specks. Those are the spidermites.

Only a few products work against broadmites so you have to be sure you actually have broadmites and that you rotate the use of the pesticides that kill them so the broadmites don't develop an resistance to the pesticide. Spidermites, on the other hand are easier to control. One of the best pesticides to use against spidermites is Neem Oil. The mites don't develop any kind of resistance to it since it kills by suffocation. Some Brug growers have reported success with Anti-Stress2000. I have both the Neem Oil and the Anti-Stress2000, but I've only used Neem Oil on spidermites. I've also used Bayer's 2 in 1 in the larger pots for long term control. A word of caution on the Bayer's that contain fertilizer. The fertilizer is too strong and can kill plants in small pots. Water the plants well before using Bayers.

I don't remember where I bought the Avid. It was a while back, but didn't need to use it til just now. I do remember that it was expensive. Some of the other products that kill broadmites are even more expensive. I bought the 100% Neem Oil locally for about $20.00. Big difference so it pays to be sure what kind of pest you have before you spray.