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Harvest Mites

T CT C Posts: 30
in Problem solving

So I was pruning my Lemon Balm bush yesterday as it had some damaged leaves and I was worried of Rust. From looking at it I don't think thats the problem, It might just be how I am caring for it.

However, whilst examinging closely I did notice some rather large red creatures crawling around. Being quite an inexperienced gardener I thought "Could it be spider mite" Being about the size of a sunflower seed/pea I think that is unlikely.

The description is this; Large(Pea sized), Red in colour (So bright its almost looks radioactive) Mainly crawling in/around the soil.

Going by research it suggests Harvest Mite in Adult form. I have heard in this form they are not very harmful, in fact actually prey on garden pests. However where there are adults there must at some time be offspring. Offspring are too tiny clearly and bite (More a concern for dogs, but do bite people)

When looking at prevention all I can find is how to help your dog (Use a dog shampoo/treatements spots)

I don't have a dog, so this is not my concern, but I can't very well shampoo my garden.

So from a gardening point of view:

  1. What are the consequences of leaving them as they are.
  2. If I did want to rid myself of them how do I do it.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

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Posts

  • DorsetUKDorsetUK Posts: 441

    image

     like this?

  • T CT C Posts: 30

    No its not that. When I say Radioactive Red I mean it. Just like a Harvest Mite. I'm not saying it definately is, but pictures I google seem to go with it.

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    The vast majority of beetles are ether harmless or beneficial, so as it's not lily beetle, I'd leave them be.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    Systemic pesticides kill all insects don't they? Is that a good idea?



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • T CT C Posts: 30

    Thanks for the help so far. I think I will try and get a picture this evening and post that up.

  • T CT C Posts: 30

    http://s1.postimg.org/g5t8oohem/IMG_8380.jpg

     

  • T CT C Posts: 30

    http://s16.postimg.org/95dugpsat/IMG_8356.jpg

     

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    http://www.uksafari.com/velvetmites.htm

    A possibility not a definite ID



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Well, I can see 8 legs, so it's definitely a mite of some kind but I've been unable to identify it.  Are you in the UK, TC or elsewhere?

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    I couldn't get it big enough to count legs Bobimage

    It looks mite shaped though



    In the sticks near Peterborough
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