Natural Way to Kill Mites on Ivy

Types

• Numerous species of mites exist; however, only certain types feed on ivy plants. Identification of the type of mite helps with choosing a removal method. Spider mites or red spiders have a red, brown or cream-colored small body with thin, piercing mouthparts used for ingesting the fluids from plants. A common species of spider mite is the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Another kind of mite that infests ivy is the eriophyid mite (Aculop toxicophagus). Eriophyid mite is a spindle-shaped arthropod with a narrow, brown body. Females have a longer body than their male counterparts.

Signs

• Spider mites live on the underside of ivy leaves appearing as tiny dots on the foliage. Changes in leaf color from green to yellow or bronze indicates a spider mite presence. These pests often spin protective webs that damage plant cells. Eriophyid mites create wart-like leaf galls on ivy plants such as poison ivy; the pouches have an irregular shape and puckered texture. The galls rise up like blisters with a yellowish-green color that soon changes to bright red.

Treatment

• A natural approach for ridding ivy plants of spider mites includes the introduction of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis or Amblyseius californicus and other enemies of spider mites such as ladybugs, lacewing larvae, certain thrip varieties and minute pirate bugs. These preying species feed on mites, eliminating the problem. Using water as a method of removing spider mites from ivy leaves through forceful spraying aids in the break up of webs and washes away spider mites. Eriophyid mites overwinter on their host plants, so a dormant application of natural horticultural oils prior to spring will kill the mites. Since galls rarely harm plants, the University of Minnesota does not recommend insecticides. Removal of leaf galls occur when the plant loses foliage or through pruning.

Prevention

• Proper care of ivy plants can prevent the appearance of mites on the plant. Mites attack plants that show signs of stress. Spider mites thrive in dry, dusty conditions; therefore, keeping a regular watering schedule helps to avoid the probability of mites on the ivy plant. The only natural prevention for Eriophyid mites is through the application of horticultural oils. Once formed, leaf galls are highly organized structures that become part of the plant and are immune to treatment.