I noticed today all my container citrus have spider mites. I brought them in from the out side every day and still got thoes darn things. Where in the heck do they come from? I was so careful to keep them away form other plants i have. I've had great success during my first year growing container citrus till now. Diddn't have any neemoil on hand so i sprayed top and bottom of the leaves with dishsoap cooking oil mixture till i can get some neemoil. BUMMER!!!

Of all the insects that attack citrus, in my estimation, spider mites are among the easiest insects to control. A one percent horticultural oil solution carefully applied to the top and bottom of the foliage quickly takes care of the problem. Personally, I don't use neem oil, as I much prefer horticultural oils, but neem oil should also work well. The other essential key ingredient is frequent inspection of your trees for insects. In the past I have also controlled spider mites with just pure water sprays using rain water. Bringing the trees inside every day really does not having anything to do with whether a tree gets, or does not get spider mites - Millet

I think the key to fighting spider mites is to be able to see them, especially the number of eggs so you can know if you have to repeat your spray(oil, soap, neem) soon. I've been using these small hand microscopes for several years and they are cheap and have a good sharp image. Here's a link to a current one on Amazon. I have three of them, they magnify about 20x which is enough to see the spider mites wiggling their legs around...and the eggs. Also, you can come back after you spray and see if you missed any live ones.

My spider mites infestations are mostly on vegetable plants, and I use Safer's Soap for that. Do spider mites on citrus give the leaves the same dappled look that they do on vegetable plants?

http://www.amazon.com/SE-MW10087L-Brass-Microscope-Illuminator/dp/B002E0MU70/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382302983&sr=8-2&keywords=hand+microscope

It is amazing that all three can be purchased for only $7.16. - Millet

jbclem,

thank you! That's a very handy item - just ordered...

Lime sulphur has worked very well for me to contr0l spider mites and it it is fairly non toxic.

For control of spider mites, mealy bugs and fungus gnats I make a solution of 8 oz Isopropyl Alcohol(90%), 1tsp liquid detergent diluted to 1gallon with water. I've used this as a very fine spray on citrus leaves and soil without any harmful effects to potted citrus. It has to be used regularly to break any cycles of insect infestation.