Spider mites are the scourge of most tomato and vegetable gardens. They can make a garden look like there is blight or some form of blight present. These are very small but visible enough to notice when you inspect your tomato plants closely.
Systemic pesticides for mites are pesticides that kill pests or diseases that have already reached inside the plants, the pests or diseases get carried throughout the entire plant and kill them. Systemics do not put a barrier on the outside of the plant, where pests and diseases live off of it. They attack them when they are inside and take them out of the picture completely which makes them a much more powerful option than home remedies alone.
Systemic insecticides for spider mites are a new family of pesticides based on type esters of imidacloprid and having an active ingredient that is released over time, acting continuously in the growth cycle of pests (feeding and development). Unlike older systemic pesticides based on organophosphate molecules, these products act in the same way as neonicotinoids.
How Systemic Pesticides for Spider Mites Work
Systemic pesticides are absorbed into the leaves, stems, and roots of plants. They then move through the plant tissue to protect it from insects that feed on its sap. Systemic pesticides can kill spider mites that feed on your plants, but they also kill other insects around them like aphids and whiteflies.
Systemic pesticides are not the same as contact pesticides, which are sprayed directly on pests for immediate results. Contact pesticides only affect pests that come into contact with them and don’t provide long-term protection against pests because they don’t break down in sunlight or rainwater easily
When to Use a Systemic Pesticide
Systemic pesticides should not be used as a first line of defense against spider mites. If you have been using other methods to control spider mites, such as insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and the infestation is still spreading, then it might be time to try a systemic pesticide.
- Do not use these pesticides on edible crops, only use them on ornamentals that you don’t plan on eating.
- Only use systemic pesticides if there is an especially large infestation in which the mites are spreading and causing serious damage to plants.
- Monitor your plants for signs of spider mites for a few weeks before applying the systemic pesticide.
Spinosad for Spider Mites
Spinosad is an insecticide derived from a soil-dwelling bacterium. It works by paralyzing the nervous systems of pests, which eventually kills them. Spinosad has been used for decades in agriculture and can be found on many natural pest control products for home use; however, it was first approved for use as an insecticide in 1995 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Spinosad is effective against spider mites, but should not be applied directly to plants or flowers—it will cause damage if it comes into contact with plant leaves or petals during application. Instead of spraying spinosad directly onto your plants’ leaves and stems, mix 1 part spinosad solution with 10 parts water (1 cup of concentrate per gallon) and dilute enough to treat one plant:
- A gallon diluted sprayer should treat up to 100 square feet of the outdoor area
- A quart diluted sprayer should treat up to 25 square feet of the outdoor area
Neem for Spider Mites
Neem is a natural pesticide that controls spider mites. Neem oil is safe and effective, and it has a long history of use as both an insecticide and fungicide. It can be used as a systemic pesticide on many plants, including tomatoes.
Neem oil has been shown to be an effective systemic pesticide against spider mites because it’s an irritant to their exoskeleton.
Do Systemic Pesticides Have Residue?
Systemic pesticides are absorbed by the plant and move throughout its tissues, killing pests that come in contact with it. This means that the pesticide does not remain at the site of application, but rather travels to all parts of the treated plant.
Systemic pesticides are very effective against spider mites because they kill their eggs and larvae as well as their adult stage (spider mites have four life stages). They also have a long residual effect, meaning they stay active on plants for many weeks after application.
Systemic pesticides can persist in soil for months or even years after application, depending on how much rainfall there is. This means that when you apply systemic insecticides to your lawn or garden beds, it’s possible for some residue from these products to be present in surrounding gardens or yards for long periods of time (even if you don’t use them yourself).
List Of Systemic Pesticides for Spider Mites
There are several systemic pesticides available for spider mites. Some of these are more effective than others, but all of them will kill spider mites if they are applied at the proper time and in a manner that allows them to reach the mites. The following list of systemic pesticides for spider mites is a good place to start when searching for the best treatment for your pest problem.
Bayer 4031982B Suspend 16oz, White
Price : $56.81
Features :
- Broad-spectrum control of more than 50 nuisance pests
- Effective knockdown with a long residual
- No odor, no visible residue
- Package Dimensions: 3.1 L x 27.7 H x 18.0 W (centimeters)
Safari 20SG Systemic Insecticide with Dinotefuran
Price: $455.95
Features:
- Product used as a sprayable or drench application on ornamentals in nursery, greenhouse and landscapes
- Best in class for control of scales
- Excellent for Woolly Adelgids on Eastern Hemlocks
- Excellent on Saga Palm Scales
- NOT FOR SALE OR USE IN STATE OF NEW YORK
Natural Guard Spinosad Soap
Price: $17.90
Features:
- Specially formulated to protect your vegetables, crops, lawns and outdoor ornamental plants against foliage-feeding insects
- Uses a powerful combination of two active ingredients, it effectively controls spider mites and kills pest on contact
- Effective against powdery mildew when it is sprayed directly on contact, plus a complete coverage for total control
- Ready-to-spray formula works fast — it starts killing within minutes after application
- Use on outdoor residential areas, vegetable gardens, and non-commercial greenhouses
Final Thought,
Spider mites are a serious threat to your plants, and they can be difficult to deal with. The best way to fight back is with systemic pesticides that are designed specifically for spider mites. Systemic pesticides are absorbed by the plant’s roots and can kill any pests that touch them without harming the plant itself.
We hope this article has helped you gain a better understanding of systemic pesticides for spider mites.