Red Spider Mites

[cooked]

After a week or two of respite from the dreaded weevils, I think we have the above named in our garden now. I don't have a magnifying glass and my eyes aren't too good, but I'm pretty sure that these are the culprits, tomato plants that looked fine this morning look very sad this evening. Bell peppers and beans, sun flowers, all under attack. Yesterday I thought that there was a problem with iron/magnesium deficiency now I think different. I have cucumbers and Aubergines sprouting nicely now, potatoes coming on nicely and am wondering if I shouldn't turn the walled in garden into a swimming pool.

We water most stuff twice a day.

Any ideas? I hate the chemical option but this really took me by surprise, making me feel a bit stupid. I admit that I sprayed a neo-nicotide product just now.

Heavens above, everything happening today, Lady next door using Folidon, banned virtually everywhere, I know the smell.

Edited February 26, 2013 by cooked

[xen]

I used to get red spider mites on azaleas, usually the underside of the leaf .If they were not bad i would ignore but if it became really bad and just after flowering or showtime then i would prune off the infected foliage. I never liked using pesticide but organo - phosphates like malthion will also clear up red spider mite , but it will also kill other beneficial insects . i would experiment with a garlic/horticultural oil mix if the spider mite is on the topside of the foliage , not a strong mix but regularly.

If next door is using Folidon ,which i am not familiar with , but if it is banned in most countries , then it will be difficult for you because she will also be killing off the bees and other beneficial life forms all over the area. The detrimental effects of these chemicals are not restricted to her vegie crop unfortunately.