Red spider mite is a 0.5 mm long red mite and lives off the sap of leaves.
Also known as:
Two-spotted spider mite
Red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) This 0.5 mm long red mite lives off the sap of leaves. In heavy infestations, the leaves wither and spin threads appear. The mite overwinters in crevices, nooks and bark. Mites like a dry and warm environment (greenhouse!).
Where to find
Control
Spray with insecticidal soap or with pyrethrum.
Control with the predatory mite (Phytoseiulus persimilis) is mainly used in professional cultivation.
Prevention
Predatory mites and ladybirds are the natural enemies; in professional horticulture they are also used for control. In particular, the predatory mite Amblyseius californicus is effective in controlling all growth stages of spider mites.
