You need to know the enemy by sight, or general information about spider mites

The end of summer and the beginning of autumn means not only the return of cool weather, but also the activity of ticks, which can carry infectious diseases. Despite the fact that the intense heat has already passed, every time we go to the country, walk in the forest or park, or work in the yard, danger lurks nearby in the form of small arthropods, which can cause big problems - tick-borne borreliosis and encephalitis. The latter can lead to serious complications: disability and even death. D ILA experts will tell you what these diseases are, what to do and how to protect yourself from this danger.

According to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, every year more than 20 thousand people seek medical help with tick bites. These insects are active from early spring to late autumn, with peak activity in April-May and August-September. Ticks attack their victims sitting in the grass, or on the branches of bushes, less often - from the ground. There is an opinion that they jump on their victims from trees, but this is not true, because ticks cannot jump, as they belong to the class of arthropods. Ticks search for a long time and carefully for the bite site, choosing areas of the body with delicate skin. Therefore, you can have time to remove the arthropod from your body or clothing before it bites. The bites are practically painless: the ticks stick for 15-20 minutes and release an anesthetic liquid. After a few days, swelling appears at the site of the bite, it turns red and itchy, and the tick itself increases in size. Very small, almost transparent and invisible nymphs of ticks - sexually immature forms of arthropods that are very difficult to notice on skin and clothing - can also bite.

The danger of ticks lies in the fact that they can be carriers of viral and infectious diseases, since not all ticks carry them, but only a group of ixodid ticks. The most dangerous are encephalitis and borreliosis (Lyme disease), but a tick bite does not always mean that you have become infected. The longer a tick remains attached to the skin, the higher the likelihood of infection.

What kind of parasite is this: spider mite

The spider mite is a class of arachnids that infest the leaves of indoor pets, garden crops and wild plants, capable of secreting a thin web, which gives rise to its name. The tick is widespread everywhere, even in Antarctica.

This is interesting. Mentions of this arachnid date back to the 16th-17th centuries, and the author of the first scientific description in the 18th century was the Swedish physician and naturalist Carl Linnaeus.

The pest has a pale green, red, yellow, amber, gray or colorless color, which is determined by the variety of this arachnid. It is also distinguished by its microscopic size: the female’s body length is 0.4–0.6 mm, the male is slightly shorter. The spider mite has a soft, solid, oval-shaped body; it is divided into two parts: a slightly larger back and a slightly smaller front. At the same time, the upper part of the body is more convex in comparison with the lower. An adult insect has four legs on the left and right.

This is interesting. The number of limbs is the main distinguishing feature of insects and arachnids: the former have three pairs, and the latter have four.

There are about 1,300 species of ticks that secrete fine webs, but only a few of them are common in our latitudes.

It is almost impossible to see a single tick, the maximum size of which is 1 mm, with the naked eye.

Table: varieties of spider mites

This is interesting. Common and cyclamen spider mites are popularly called strawberry or strawberry mites for their special love for strawberries.

Photo gallery: the most common types of spider mites

The body of the common spider mite is covered with villi

The Atlantic spider mite has a yellow-green body color.

The body of the gall spider mite resembles a spindle

The clover mite especially likes to settle on ficus trees

The body length of the red mite is only about 0.5 mm

During wintering, the Turkestan spider mite turns red, but as it feeds it becomes more and more green.

Hawthorn spider mite loves stone fruit crops

The cactus spider mite is popularly called the flat beetle

The oval body of the bulb mite is light yellow or whitish in color.

Infestation of cyclamen mites resembles dust balls on leaves

How long does it take to get bitten?

The mite is a small arachnid measuring 3-5 mm in length. It has 4 pairs of limbs, an oblong body and a small head. It is very difficult to detect in the fur of a furry pet, which allows it to climb unhindered in search of a vulnerable spot. The favorite areas of the body of four-legged friends for tick bites are those that pets cannot reach on their own:

• armpits;
• neck;
• withers;
• ears;
• groin area.

On a note!

How long a tick sits on a dog before biting depends on several factors. If the animal's fur is long and thick, it will be more difficult for the parasite to quickly reach the skin. The pet can scratch itself and thereby throw the parasite away from the intended path. In total, a tick can sit on a dog from 2-3 hours to 2 days before biting.

It is impossible to know the exact time the arthropod was on the furry pet. It is also difficult to determine how many ticks may be on a dog. By luck, some of them leave the dog without committing a bite. They can be thrown off by the dog himself or noticed by a person while combing.

Life cycle of a spider mite

Young spider mites have six limbs, and after two molts they become eight-legged. The female, depending on the species, lives on average from 16 to 40 days. Males - up to 30 days. At favorable air temperatures, that is, from 25 to 30 degrees, complete transformation into an adult takes about 8 days.

In heat from +25 degrees and a humidity level not exceeding 40%, ticks reproduce and remain viable all year round. If environmental conditions are not favorable, then the parasites go into diapause, that is, an anabiotic state in which processes associated with physiology slow down by 3–4 times. Before falling into this state, ticks find a suitable secluded place in:

• tops;
• in the top layer of soil (spider mites can go no more than 20 cm deep);
• beehives;
• greenhouse structural elements;
• fences or boxes.

Spider mites in a state of diapause hide in secluded places, including on the walls of flower pots

Egg stage

During its life cycle, the female, depending on the species, lays an average of up to 200 eggs, and does this in batches of 1 to 3 pieces. Fertilized eggs produce females, and unfertilized eggs produce males. Females leave future offspring:

• on plant roots;
• directly in the top layer of soil;
• under last year's leaves;
• on the inside of leaves of living plants;
• on the walls of containers intended for planting indoor flowers.

This is interesting. If environmental conditions are unfavorable, the eggs of the spider bug go into suspended animation and can resume their development after 4–5 years.

Spider mite eggs look like balls, slightly flattened on top and bottom.

Stages of development from egg to adult

After three days, larvae emerge from the eggs. Further development includes 3 stages:

• after three days the larva emerges from the egg;
• after 24 hours the larva enters the nymph stage;
• over the next four days, the female nymph experiences three molts and two periods of development, the male nymph three molts and one or two periods of development, and thus adults are obtained that are already capable of reproducing.

When should you vaccinate against tick-borne encephalitis?

Planned prevention can be carried out at any time. However, it is best to carry it out in such a way that the third, final vaccination is completed by the beginning of spring.

If you plan to complete vaccination by the beginning of spring, then the vaccination schedule with the domestic vaccine will be as follows:

• 1st vaccination in July
• The 2nd vaccination should be given from August to February
• 3rd vaccination - after 9-12 months

If immunization is carried out with imported vaccines, the vaccination schedule will look like this:

• 1st vaccination in November
• The 2nd should be delivered from December to February next year
• 3rd vaccination - after 9-12 months

It is important to remember that after the second and third administration of the vaccine, extreme caution should be exercised for two weeks when visiting tick habitats. After two weeks after the 2nd injection, immunity is formed. In the future, it will be consolidated and extended by a third introduction.

With emergency vaccination, the second vaccination is performed two weeks after the first, and the formation of immunity occurs after another 1-2 weeks. Revaccination is carried out 9-12 months after the second injection of the vaccine.

Emergency vaccination is relevant in cases where it is necessary to quickly develop immunity, and there is not enough time to carry out vaccination according to the standard scheme.

If vaccination is carried out during periods of maximum tick activity, the risk of infection increases. Additional precautions must be taken. When infected and administered a vaccine at the same time, the risk of the disease developing in a more severe form increases.

What dangers do spider mites pose for green spaces?

Due to the tiny size of the parasite, it is possible to detect an infestation of insects only when the damage to the leaves is very noticeable. The parasite settles on the back side of a plant leaf, sucks the juices out of it and leaves small holes, while the enzyme in the mite's saliva destroys chloroplasts - special structures in the leaf cells in which photosynthesis occurs. All this leads to the leaves becoming dehydrated, dry and brittle. The longer the spider mite attack, the more the plant suffers: its ability to synthesize light and regenerate cells is significantly reduced. The appearance of the leaves also suffers; they become discolored, may even turn yellow, become covered with a thin web and eventually fall off, and the plant weakens so much that it may die. A number of species of spider mites, for example, the Atlantic, eat plant fruits.

Signs of spider mite infestation

If we consider the signs of plant damage by spider insects in detail, then we can detect the attack of the parasite by the following details:

• the appearance of small specks on the underside of leaves, which accumulate and turn into noticeable spots;

  
  Small specks are traces of punctures made by spider mites

• the appearance of black dots on the leaves - traces of mite excrement;
• the presence of a thin web on the inner surface of the leaf and other parts of the shoot;
• folding of leaf edges and twisting of petioles.

Severe infection leads to:

• accumulation of masses of mites on the tips of leaves;
• fading of flowers even at the bud stage;
• lack of growth.

For more information on how to get rid of spider mites on indoor plants, read our article - How to deal with spider mites on indoor flowers.

Photo gallery: stages of plant infection by spider mites

Small specks are the first stage of a plant being infected with spider mites.

The appearance of noticeable black spots on the leaves indicates that the mite population is growing

The appearance of cobwebs is one of the most obvious signs of infection.

Dried leaves, wilted buds and accumulations of mites on the web are signs of the last stage of infection

Video: what seedlings affected by spider mites look like

Consequences of infection

Representatives of the flora that suffer from spider mite invasion are exposed to a number of other dangers. Thus, spider mites, with their vital activity on plants, create optimal conditions for spreading:

• spores of gray rot (a dangerous fungal disease that can lead to plant rotting);
• viruses passing from one crop to another, from one flower to another.

All this causes additional damage to both aesthetics and the harvest. Thus, crop losses in infected areas can range from 30 to 70%.

Spider mite infestation leads to crop losses and plant diseases

Why and how spider mites get on plants

Spider mites are insects capable of active movement. And it’s understandable: after waiting out the winter, they go in search of food. This means that sooner or later they end up on personal plots and houses. Since spider mites can infect both indoor and garden crops, the routes of penetration will be different for some and for others.

You can bring a parasite into your home:

• on newly purchased plants (this is why flower growers always recommend that newly purchased plants be kept in quarantine first);
• on umbrellas, clothes;
• on bouquets.

In addition, the dimensions of the spider mite allow it to be carried by the wind through open windows, especially on the first floors.

The pest may appear on the site:

• carried by wind from an infected area;
• introduced in seedlings or on seedlings purchased from unverified suppliers.

If the air temperature and humidity level are favorable for the habitat of a particular type of spider mite, and also, of course, if the diet they need is available, there is no doubt: the parasites will make an attempt to settle in earnest and for a long time.

Spider mites quickly move from plant to plant

Plants most susceptible to spider mite infestation

Even though spider mites can attack almost all plants, they have their own preferences.

Houseplants

The pest does not really like pubescent leaves, so plants with this type of leaf texture are relatively safe. Moreover, some gardeners specifically place next to infected specimens:

• violets (Saintpaulia);
• gloxinia;
• colors;
• calceolaria.

This is interesting. Absolute intolerance in most spider mites (except for the broad spider mite) is caused by aloe: they never infect it.

Video: spider mites on indoor plants

Street plantings

The tick's list of preferences in this group of plants is so large that it is easier to name those representatives of the flora that are rejected by it:

• calendula;
• dandelions.

These plants are planted specifically so that their scent will repel ticks from other plantings.

Among outdoor plantings, spider mites have practically no unloved ones.

Fruit crops

This category of plants is the least fortunate, since only elderberry can avoid attack by parasites. Among the berries, spider mites are especially fond of:

• strawberry;
• strawberries;
• grape.

Pear trees are particularly susceptible to gall spider mites.

Garden crops

Gourmets with eight limbs enjoy eating:

• cucumbers;
• eggplant;
• legumes;
• pepper.

But onions and garlic provide powerful protection against the parasite with their smell.

Medicinal herbs, spices

The most vulnerable in this group of plantings are:

• mint;
• Melissa.

But most other herbs have just the same repellent effect. Such a “weapon” could be:

• pharmaceutical chamomile;
• mustard;
• parsley;
• basil;

  
  The smell of basil repels spider mites

• tansy;
• celandine;
• yarrow;
• sagebrush.

This is interesting. Spider mites also cause significant damage to grain crops.

Traditional methods

The use of folk methods allows the use of means that are absolutely safe, both for people and for the cultures themselves. Regarding efficiency, they provide excellent results in the early stages of infection.

Regardless of what product will be used, it is necessary to prepare the plant. To do this, you need to rinse it under running water. When processing in residential areas, you will need to pay attention to wet cleaning. Wash window sills, walls, floors, baseboards well when using a soap solution.

The most popular and effective methods include:

• Garlic. To use this aromatic product, you will need to prepare an infusion. You need to take several heads of garlic and chop them very finely, put them, for example, in a jar, and add 1 liter of water, close and leave for 5 days. After which the infusion is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio and used to wash plants.
• Alcohol. It can be used on flowers that have fairly large, thick leaves. An alcohol solution is prepared and wiped with a cotton swab.
• Onion peel. You will need to pour 100 g of husk with 5 liters of water, close it and leave to infuse. Infuse for 5 days, then strain with gauze and apply for spraying. You can also use onion, for this you need to chop it very finely and add 0.5 liters of water. This infusion is kept for half an hour. To maximize effectiveness, add iodine, 4 drops.
• Soap. To use it, you need to take soap and dissolve it in water, you need to get foam, which will be used for treatment. Next, the foam is applied to the flower and left for 2 hours. Afterwards, the soil must be covered with film and the leaves and stems washed under running water.
• Dandelion. Fresh herbs are used for this recipe; 0.5 kg is needed. The grass is poured with water, 10 liters and left for 4 hours. This infusion is suitable for treating plants and seedlings. Several procedures will be required.
• Soda Ash. Excellent for spraying in greenhouses, you will need to dilute 50 ml of soda in 10 liters of water.
• Calendula. You need to take 500 g of flowers and add 5 liters of water. Then stand for 5 days, strain and can be sprayed.
• Infusion 0.5 kg per 5 l. water, leave for 5 days, spray the crops.
• Birch tar. For 10 liters of water you need 10 ml. tar, you can start spraying.
• Datura. An infusion of this herb is prepared, pour 100g into 1 liter of water. Then leave for 24 hours.
• Celandine, yarrow. Suitable for processing ornamental shrubs. Pour 500 g of herb with 1 liter of boiling water, let it brew well. Before use, add water and adjust the volume to 10 liters.
• Sagebrush. Place 500 g of herb in a bucket and add water, leave for 12 hours, then put on fire and simmer for half an hour.

An integrated approach to combating spider mites

Ticks do not like water, so this is the first remedy that, if it does not destroy the entire population, will at least significantly reduce it. In the case of indoor plants, this is easier to do: you need to wipe the leaves with warm water and laundry soap. Then apply a suitable chemical or folk method of control. To eliminate mites on garden crops, the range of products is also quite extensive. But the most important thing: the fight against the parasite must be systematic and comprehensive, that is, combining various methods of control.

Cold water helps fight spider mites

Table: four methods of controlling spider mites