How to control spider mites on raspberries and what is the best treatment

Spider mites have appeared on my raspberries. How can I combat them? Almost every gardener faces this problem. This tiny insect attacks virtually all fruit and berry crops. The mite reproduces rapidly, increasing its population severalfold in 2-3 days. If left untreated, the bush's death is inevitable.

Biological description of the pest

This is a microscopic insect. Its outline can be seen with the naked eye on a plant. The female is slightly larger than the male, measuring just over 0.5 mm. Its lifespan is one month. During this time, the insect lays eggs, from which new individuals hatch. The mite's life cycle proceeds as follows:

• The egg appears as small, gray droplets located on the web. It remains in this state for three days.
• Larval stage. Slightly larger than the egg. The body has three pairs of legs, and the maturation period lasts 24 hours.
• Nymph. An intermediate stage of development. Four pairs of legs develop on the body.
• A sexually mature individual.

Important! A female can lay over 200 eggs per month.

What causes the insect to appear?

Several factors can trigger the appearance of spider mites. These factors should be considered as a preventative measure. These include:

• The air temperature remains above 20°C for a long time.
• Increased soil moisture and frequent heavy rains.
• Preservation of females in fallen leaves from the previous season.
• Weakened immunity of raspberries due to lack of nutrients.
• Dense bushes, insufficient oxygen.
• Infection from other plants.

Symptoms and signs of parasitism

Determining the onset of the disease is fairly easy. Pay attention to the condition of the raspberry shoots and ovaries. To be confident in the diagnosis, you need to know the main symptoms of the disease:

• A grey web-like coating appears on the leaves.
• The web contains small inclusions in the form of grey droplets.
• On the back of the leaf there are mite feces.
• Raspberry leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off.
• Some of the ovaries stop developing, some fall off.

Important! If signs of a tick attack appear, immediate control measures must be taken.

Preparations for bush treatment

The most effective way to combat spider mites is with specialized products. They instantly kill the insect, stopping its development and reproduction. There are also folk remedies for getting rid of the insects. These products do not accumulate in plants and are not toxic to humans.

Chemicals against spider mites

Chemical treatments help quickly and effectively eliminate the problem. Spraying should be repeated several times per season to prevent recurrence.

Antio

An organophosphorus insecticide that helps eliminate the problem after the first spray. Kills adults, larvae, eggs, and nymphs.

Actellic

An insecticide widely used to control harmful insects in garden crops. It kills not only spider mites but also acts as a preventative for other insects. It has a broad spectrum of action.

Acrex

A contact acaricide. It enters the tick's body through the mouth, during feeding, and upon contact with treated foliage. Effects begin within 24 to 48 hours. The pests are paralyzed and, unable to feed, die.

Fufanon

A broad-spectrum insecticide used to control chewing and sucking insects. It is recommended to alternate its use with other products, as it can cause tolerance.

Important! It is not recommended to use chemicals during fruiting and ovary formation.

Biological drugs

They are less toxic because they are based on natural toxins derived from bacteria and do not accumulate in plant tissue.

Fitoverm

Aversectin C is the active ingredient in the drug. It is the oldest and most well-known product, and one of the first to hit the market. It enjoyed widespread industrial popularity in the late 20th century. It has a detrimental effect on the tick's nervous system.

Bitoxybacillin

An effective remedy widely used by many gardeners. It's suitable not only for garden crops but also for houseplants. The product works by affecting the nervous system.

Akarin

An artificially produced, highly toxic neurotoxin isolated from the bacteria Streptomyces avermitilis. After spraying, the active ingredient enters the pest's body through contact or ingestion. It has a detrimental effect on the nervous system, resulting in the death of the insect.

Folk remedies for getting rid of it

To avoid using special medications, you can use traditional methods. The most effective recipes are:

• Tobacco water. Soak 100 g of tobacco in 1 liter of water. Add 50 g of laundry soap. Let it steep for 24 hours, strain, and spray the raspberries until the mites die.
• Mustard solution. Dissolve 1 package of mustard in 5 liters of water and spray the bushes.
• Vinegar. Dilute 1 liter of table vinegar with 5 liters of water and spray.

Important! Growing mustard near raspberry bushes will repel harmful insects.

Timing and rules for spraying bushes

The timing of spraying depends on the period of insect infestation and the chosen product. There are no restrictions for folk remedies, as they do not accumulate in fruits and leaves.

When carrying out processing, it is necessary to follow several rules:

• Spraying with chemicals requires taking precautions.
• The procedure is carried out in the evening or early in the morning, before sunrise.
• All treatments are stopped 20 days before harvest.
• To increase the effect, several treatments are carried out during the season.
• After spraying, the remaining solution is disposed of and the sprayer is filled with soapy water.

Prevention

To avoid spider mite infestation, it is recommended to follow these preventative measures:

• Maintain regular watering and do not overwater the raspberries.
• Provide additional feeding to avoid a decrease in immunity.
• Loosen the area around the tree trunk to improve root aeration.
• Remove weeds.
• Perform preventative treatments with insecticides at the beginning of the season.
• Once every 5 years, the location where raspberries grow is changed.