Red Spider Mites Hi Stan, I have had red spider mites (tiny red spiders with webs all over the climbing fence) on my sweat peas (planted in the same area) for 2 years. I have washed the sweat peas and the climbing fence with soap and water - using a strong spray and it doesn't seem to affect the spider mites- they have killed the sweat peas both years. I have removed all the sweat peas and was wondering what I can do this fall to minimize them from returning next spring. I live in Edmonton. Thanks. Regards, Laureen Hoffman Laureen - Of the pests in or on our plants, the white fly and spider mite head the list. The spider mite is not really a true spider but a mite, and there-in lies the rub. Few if any domestic pesticides will successfully rid them from doing the extensive damage you now know of. Malathion is the most common miticide applied both by pro. growers and home gardeners. As you may know, Malation is highly toxic and is an organophosphate. Most often the plant being treated, often suffers more than the pests being sprayed. Because Malathion works best during higher temps, it has a marginal effect when sprayed on cool crops like your sweet peas. It is a spray that effects the nervous system of the pest. So what to do: red spider can be controlled by maintaining a higher degree of humidity on and around your plants. Wash them down in the early AM, during the bright days and ease off on the nitrogen fertilizer which maintains the soft fleshy leaf and stems of a plant the spider mites feed upon. If you use any pesticide, try Doktor Doom. This is a pesticide safe for most ornamental and edible crops. The active ingredient is pyrethrum, which is a natural pesticide presented in an easy to use container that has been proven to control spider mites, along with many other damaging pests on plants. Begin spraying when leaves begin to show in the spring. Hope this will help.

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