My Gerbera Daisies Have Mites

Spider mites live on the undersides of gerbera daisy leaves, feeding heavily on the nutrients found within. Heavy infestations of mites may be fatal to gerbera daisies. When mites are present, leaves, buds and flowers of the plant may be distorted and discolored. Spider mites are not classified as arachnids; they are named for the webs they spin on leaves and branches. When spider mites are present on gerbera daisies, gardeners must act quickly to control the pests.

Garden hose
Pruning shears
Clean cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Look for spider mite symptoms on branch tips and the undersides of leaves, where the pests spin their webs and lay their eggs.
- 2
  Spray gerbera daisies with high-pressure water from the garden hose. The water will dislodge mites, their eggs and the webbing they create.
- 3
  Prune away any heavily infested or severely damaged leaves that have been lost to the spider mites forever. Dispose of these leaves immediately, and do not place them in the compost pile.
- 4
  Apply insecticide every 10 to 14 days until all spider mite activity has been eliminated. Insecticides may be applied directly to soil or leaves, depending on label instructions. Insecticides containing carbaryl should be avoided, as these will kill natural spider mite predators that help control the insect population. Use pesticides containing abamectin, bifenthrin or spiromesifan instead.
- 5
  Treat gerbera leaves with mite-killing horticultural oils. The pest-managing oils are the best option for mite control. Wipe the pesticide onto leaves with a damp cloth.

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