Thanks Millet for the tip on using Horticulture Oil versus Neem Oil! The Hort Oil sure gave the Citrus Leaves a nice shine! I can see why it would kill Spidermites, and it don't STINK like Neem Oil. I purchase Bonide All Seasons Spray Oil. I looked thru all the use instructions and nothing on if it ok to eat Fruit after spraying? I got a couple of Lemons and some Oranges starting to turn on the trees. Will the Fruit be safe to eat?

I'm not familiar with the particular Bonide All Seasons Spray Oil brand, but if it is a horticultural oil it would be completely safe. Horticultural oils are even permitted to be used in certified organic groves. Horticulture oils also give good control of mealy bugs, aphids and white fly, all of which are the main insect problems with citrus trees. - Millet

Yes thanks Millet for the hort oil recommendation, I use it myself quite often now. Only fruit I eat the skin on(kumquat and zest) I wash.

I've gotten even better results when I mix the oil (hort or neem) with warm water from my faucet as opposed to cold from the hose spigot. I recon that the heat "softens" the oil and acts as a catalyst for the emulsifiers contained in some of them. To me, a warm mix just seems to cover better.

This time of year, there's two things that should be considered before applying oil to those trees that will remain out of doors during the winter:

1) Oils or oil based products applied after September* may reduce soluble solids in the fruit of the trees to which it is applied.

and

2) Oils or oil based products applied after October* may reduce the cold hardiness of the trees to which it is applied.

*These dates pertain to my region and would undoubtedly change in a different climate. Regardless of climate, it's a good idea to abstain from applying oil 60-90days prior to freezing temps.

If in your estimation it's too late in the year to manage mites with oil or oil based products, you may want to default to soapy water or one of the other available chemical controls such as Avid.

Best,

Skinn30a