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 they may vary in where they can be used and the target mites on the label. Following are detailed descriptions of five miticides that are generally recommended for controlling mites both indoors and/or outdoors. This is the conclusion of a two-part article, with the first part published in issue no. 15 of this newsletter (August 18, 2004).

Avid, which contains abamectin as the active ingredient, is an effective insecticide/miticide for many different mite species and is typically recommended for control of mites both indoors and outdoors. The active ingredient, which occurs naturally, is derived from the soil microorganism, Streptomyces avermitilis. Avid is labeled for control of twospotted spider mite, European red mite, carmine spider mite, Southern red mite, spruce spider mite, cyclamen mite, broad mite, and rust and bud mite. The product can be used to control mites in greenhouses, shadehouses, on field-grown ornamentals, Christmas tree plantations, and woody ornamentals. Avid is a contact and translaminar miticide. Translaminar is a term that refers to insecticides/miticides that penetrate the leaf tissue and form a reservoir of active ingredient within the leaf. Avid generally provides up to 28 days of residual activity. The label rate for all mite species is 4 fl oz per 100 gal. Avid is active on the mobile life stages of mites, with no activity on eggs. Although the insecticide/miticide is slow acting, treated mites are immobilized after exposure.

Floramite, which contains the active ingredient bifenazate is labeled for control of a wide range of mites, including twospotted spider mite, Pacific mite, strawberry mite, European red mite, citrus red mite, clover mite, southern red mite, spruce spider mite, and bamboo spider mite. It is not active on rust, broad, or flat mite. Floramite is labeled for use in greenhouses, shadehouses, nurseries, Christmas tree plantations, landscapes, and interiorscapes. This is a contact miticide, so thorough coverage of all plant parts is essential. This miticide is active on all mite life stages, including eggs. Floramite is fast acting and provides up to 28 days of residual activity. The label rate is 4 to 8 fl oz per 100 gal.

TetraSan contains the active ingredient etoxazole and is actually a growth regulator for mites, inhibiting the molting process. TetraSan is labeled for control of the following mites: twospotted spider mite, citrus red mite, European red mite, lewis spider mite, Pacific spider mite, Southern red mite, and spruce spider mite. TetraSan can be used to control mites in greenhouses, lathhouses, shadehouses, and interiorscapes and on outdoor ornamentals. Similar to abamectin (Avid) (described previously), TetraSan is a contact and translaminar miticide providing up to 28 days of residual activity from a single application. The label rate for controlling mites is 8 to 16 oz per 100 gal. The product is active on the egg, larvae, and nymphal stages. It has minimal effect on adult mites. However, adult female mites that are treated do not produce viable eggs.

Pylon is a miticide that is can be used only in greenhouses. It contains the active ingredient chlorfenapyr. Pylon is labeled for control of various mites, including twospotted spider mite, broad mite, cyclamen mite, citrus bud mite, and rust mite. Pylon is a contact and translaminar miticide. In addition, it works as a stomach poison when ingested. Pylon is only active on the mobile life stages, including larvae, nymphs, and adults. It has no activity on mite eggs. The product can provide up to 28 days of residual activity. The label rate is 2.6 to 5.2 fl oz per 100 gal.

Vendex is one of the older miticides and contains the active ingredient fenbutatin-oxide. The miticide is labeled for control of twospotted spider mite, clover mite, Southern red mite, and spruce spider mite. Vendex can be used in greenhouses, on outdoor ornamentals, and on established landscape ornamentals and nurseries. This is a contact miticide, so it is important to thoroughly spray all plant parts during application. Vendex is slower acting than most miticides, taking 7 to 10 days to eventually kill mites. However, it provides long-lasting control--about 30 days of residual activity. The label rate is 8 to 16 oz per 100 gal. Vendex is a warm-weather miticide providing better control when the ambient air temperature is above 70 degrees F. This product is a restricted-use pesticide.

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