How to get rid of false mites
The complete guide
| Difficulty Very high |
| Frequency Low |
| Reproductive rate Up to 60x |
| Lifecycle Up to 60 days |
False mites, also known as flat mites, are tiny arachnids that cause significant damage to infested plants by piercing leaf cells to extract their contents.
Identifying false mites
False mites are difficult to see with the naked eye and should not be confused with true spider mites. However, the damage they cause is distinctive. Here are the main signs of a false mite infestation:
Early infestation
- No specific symptoms
Advanced infestation
- Necrosis and rust-colored spots
- Deformation of young shoots
- Discoloration of leaves
- Slowed or stunted growth
Treatment options
How to treat false mites?
Treating false mites can be a considerable challenge. The most effective and safe strategy is to eliminate the majority of individuals through repeated cleaning and non-chemical contact insecticides. Amblyseius swirskii can help prevent reinfestation.
1
Preparation
Cut off damaged leaves
Damaged leaves usually harbor spider mites. If possible, cut them off.
Remove debris
Remove dead leaves and other debris that may interfere with the treatment.
Wrap the pot
Wrap the pot in a plastic bag to protect the root ball during the treatment.
2
Water cleaning
Prepare a workspace
Prepare a workspace that can get wet; ideally outside, in the sink or in the bathtub.
Adjust the water
Use the strongest jet of water possible without damaging the plant (hose, faucet, showerhead, etc.).
Wash the leaves and stems
Generously spray all leaves and stems, paying close attention to the underside of the leaves. Cover all angles in several passes.
3
Black soap treatment
Prepare the basin
Prepare a basin of black soap solution. Dissolve five tablespoons per liter of warm water.
Clean the foliage and stems
Clean all the leaves and stems by scrubbing them with the brush or soaked cloth. Insist on the undersides of the leaves.
Rinse the plant
Rinse the plant with water to wash away the false mites that have been dislodged.
4
Repeated cleaning
Repeat the cleaning
Repeat the water cleaning and black soap treatment (steps 1 to 3) at least three times, at five-day intervals.
5
Drying
Let the plant dry
Wait for the leaves to be completely dry before introducing predators.
6
First introduction
Introduce the swirskii
Distribute the bulk swirskii using small containers.
7
Second introduction
Repeat the introduction
Wait three weeks and repeat the same introduction.
A few important points
- False mites easily hide in the plant’s crevices, where they remain protected from cleaning and contact insecticides. Cleanings must be thorough and repeated several times.
- Natural predators are particularly effective at detecting any remaining false mites once their population has been reduced. The more thorough the cleanings, the higher the chances of success.
Once the treatment is complete
Inspect the plants regularly for at least eight weeks. If new signs of false mites appear, repeat the cleaning of the plants. Otherwise, you can consider your treatment successful. We recommend using the preventive treatment to avoid a new infestation.
Do I absolutely need to treat all my plants?
False mites spread quickly, and the absence of symptoms does not mean the plants are healthy. It is therefore strongly recommended to treat all plants simultaneously. However, you can isolate plants that appear healthy and apply only the preventive treatment to them.
What should I do if I cannot wash a plant?
If you cannot perform manual cleanings using a non-chemical insecticide, treating false mites will be very difficult, if not impossible. Consider discarding the plant or taking cuttings.
Do I need to repeat cleaning before each introduction?
Cleaning is always necessary before the first introduction. If the initial infestation was severe or many insects are still visible at the time of subsequent introductions, it is preferable to carry out another pre-introduction cleaning. Conversely, it is no longer necessary once the infestation appears to be under control.
Is it necessary to replace the substrate to treat false mites?
The eggs, nymphs, and adult false mites remain on the foliage. Not only is replacing the substrate unnecessary, but it also causes additional stress that could further weaken the plant.