When it comes to selecting a miticide to control spider mites, or “mites” in landscapes and nurseries, there is sometimes confusion that all miticides are similar in terms of their use and the range of mites that they control. However, miticides are not all created equal because miticides may vary in where they can be used and the target mites on the label. Below are detailed descriptions of six miticides that are generally recommended for controlling mites both indoors and/or outdoors. In a later issue of this newsletter, an additional five miticides will be addressed.

Talstar is a pyrethroid-based insecticide/miticide with the active ingredient bifenthrin. The product is labeled for control of the following mites: twospotted spider mite, broad mite, clover mite, and European red mite. There are a number of different formulations, and each has certain use requirements. However, in general, Talstar is registered for use on indoor and outdoor ornamentals. This includes greenhouses, lathhouses, shadehouses, outdoor nurseries, and ornamental trees. Talstar is a contact insecticide/miticide, so it is important to cover thoroughly all plant parts during application. The product provides between 7 and 21 days of residual activity. Talstar is a restricted-use pesticide, and rates vary depending on the formulation. So be sure to read the label prior to use. This insecticide/miticide has the same mode of action as lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar; see next), so avoid using these two products in succession in a rotation program.

Scimitar is a pyrethroid-based insecticide/miticide with the active ingredient lambda-cyhalothrin. This product has a very general label stating control of “mites” and broad mites. It can be used to control mites on ornamentals in greenhouses, shadehouses, nurseries, and outdoor landscapes. Scimitar is a contact and stomach poison (when ingested) insecticide/miticide providing up to 14 days of residual activity. The label rate for control of mites is 1.5 to 5.0 fl oz per 100 gal. Scimitar has the same mode of action as bifenthrin (Talstar; see previous), so avoid using these two products in succession in a rotation program. Scimitar, like many pyrethroids, is a restricted-use pesticide.

Hexygon contains the active ingredient hexythiazox and is labeled for control of twospotted spider mite, arborvitae spider mite, European red mite, honey locust spider mite, Pacific spider mite, Southern red mite, spruce spider mite, strawberry spider mite, and Willamette mite. Hexygon is registered for use on ornamental plants grown in nurseries, greenhouses, shadehouses, and Christmas tree plantations. In addition, it may be used on established ornamental landscape plantings, interiorscapes, residential areas, public areas, and commercial areas. Hexygon is a contact and stomach poison miticide, so thorough coverage of all plant parts is recommended. The product can provide 30 to 45 days of residual activity. The label rate is 1 to 2 oz per 100 gal. Hexygon is active on mite eggs and the immature stages. In fact, eggs deposited by adult females that contact treated surfaces are not viable. The product has no activity on adult mites. Hexygon has the same mode of action as clofentezine (Ovation; see next), so it is important to avoid using these two miticides in succession in a rotation program.

Ovation contains the active ingredient clofentezine and is labeled for control of twospotted spider mite, Pacific spider mite, McDaniel spider mite, European red mite, and yellow spider mite. The product is registered for use in greenhouses, saranhouses, shadehouses, outdoor containers, and field-grown nursery stock. Ovation is a contact miticide, so thorough coverage of all plant parts is critical during application. It is active on mite eggs and the immature stages. The product has no activity on adult mites. Although Ovation is slow-acting, it may provide up to 45 days of residual activity. The label rate is 2 fl oz per 100 gal. Ovation has the same mode of action as hexythiazox (Hexygon; see previous), which means that the two miticides should not be used in succession in a rotation program. Ovation is toxic to fish.

Sanmite, which contains the active ingredient pyridaben, is labeled for control of twospotted spider mite, broad mite, European red mite, Southern red mite, and tumid mite. The material is registered for use on ornamental plants grown in greenhouses or outdoors. Sanmite is a contact miticide so thorough coverage of all plant parts is important. It has activity on all mite life stages, including eggs, nymphs, larvae, and adults. Sanmite is fast-acting on the mobile stages and provides up to 45 days of residual activity. The label rate is 4 oz per 100 gal. Sanmite has the same mode of action as fenpyroximate (Akari; see next), so these two miticides should not be used in succession in a rotation program.

Akari contains the active ingredient fenpyroximate. The product has a very general label stating control of “spider mites.” Akari is labeled for use on greenhouse ornamental crops and indoor ornamental plantings and plantscapes. This miticide is a contact and stomach poison, so thorough coverage of all plant parts is essential during application. The product is effective on all spider mite life stages including eggs. Akari works very fast, with rapid knockdown. In fact, treated mites immediately stop feeding, and females fail to lay eggs. This miticide provides up to 21 days of residual activity. The label rate is 16 to 24 fl oz per 100 gal. Akari has the same mode of action as pyridaben (Sanmite; see previous), so these two miticides should not be used in succession in a rotation program.

For more information on the products mentioned, be sure to consult the label or the manufacturer.