Lewis Mites 2025 – a Poinsettia Problem that’s Here to Stay?

*Lewis mite damage on poinsettia. Photo by OMAFA.*

Let’s face it: although Lewis mites (Eotetranychus lewisi) used to be more of a cyclical pest, this mite has been consistently bad in poinsettia the last few years. As regular Lewis mite infestations now seem to be the new normal in poinsettia, this week is the time to to start thinking about your pest control plan for Lewis mite.

Whether you choose the preventive route or the wait-and-see approach, knowing which strategies and chemicals are working is critical. Read on for tips on dipping to prevent mites along and what we learned from last year‘s chemical approaches.

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Lewis mites! 2024 Updates in Poinsettia

lewis mite_UCANR — *Lewis mite. Photo from University of California.*

Lewis mite is one of those pests that seems to go in cycles – some years we don’t see it at all, and some years I get reports as early as August.

This year there seems to be scattered reports. Given that Lewis mite populations can ramp up in a warm fall and rear their ugly heads in October, it seemed like a good time for an update on what’s working, and what’s not.

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Thinking ahead: What you can do THIS WEEK to prevent Lewis mite damage in your poinsettias.

2016 turned out to be a bad year for Lewis mite (Eotetranychus lewisi) in poinsettia. Although it’s too early to say how 2017 is going to go, you should be considering possible preventative measures THIS WEEK for Lewis mite, especially if you have a history of Lewis mite with your cuttings. Treatment of this pest is more difficult later in the crop (though not impossible). Keep reading for biological and chemical control options for this pest.

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Lots and Lots of Lewis mites! (And how to go about controlling them in poinsettia).

You know how I just wrote a post on how you need to look out for unprecedented mealybug infestations in your crop this year? Well I lied! Now you need to look out for mealybug AND unusually high numbers of Lewis mites!

Read further for what consultants have been seeing out in the greenhouse and for effective control strategies.

Continue reading “Lots and Lots of Lewis mites! (And how to go about controlling them in poinsettia).” →