How Cold Can Spider Mites Tolerate?
WouterSpider mites are arachnids that live in many different climates. During the hot and dry summer months, they multiply at a rapid rate. A good way to control these pests is to prevent them from laying eggs. In addition, the best way to combat them is to control the population before it reaches a critical point.
Although spider mites can tolerate cold temperatures for short periods of time, they don’t do well at extreme lows. They can survive for several months when they overwinter. However, they will only hibernate if the temperature drops to below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
If a plant is affected by spider mites, the best way to combat them is to use selective materials. For example, you can treat the infested plant with insecticidal soap or oil. You can also use plant extracts, clove oil, or mint oil as acaricides.
The most effective treatment for spider mites on plants is to wash the infested area with cold water. These procedures work well even for small infestations. You can also apply food grade diatomaceous earth to dehydrate the mites.
To control the population, it is important to reduce the number of mites before they reach a critical phase. During diapause, they become more resistant to chemical controls. When favourable conditions return, the diapausing forms resume their normal activities. Besides temperature, daylength is another key factor in the inducing of diapause.
The best control method for spider mites is to eliminate the infestation before it reaches diapause. This is a more challenging approach because the diapausing form is more resistant to chemical control.
