How To Get Rid Of Magnified Russet Mites: [11 Effective Methods]

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

If you’re noticing small, spider-like creatures on the leaves of your houseplants, chances are they’re magnified russet mites. These pests are difficult to get rid of, but with a little persistence, you can eliminate them from your plants. Here’s what you need to know about magnified russet mites and how to get rid of them.

What Are Russet Mites?

Russet mites are small, red insects that feed on the leaves of cannabis plants. They can cause significant damage to the plant and should be treated as soon as possible. They can cause extensive damage to the host plant, leading to defoliation and stunted growth.

mite encephalitis on human skin

The good news is that there are a few methods to get rid of these mites, so gardeners can protect their crops. You can try methods, including chemical and organic treatments, to get rid of these creatures.

The infestation will grow faster when the environment is windless, dry, and warm. There are a few effective methods to kill russet mites, but it is important to apply them so that you do not harm your plants.

Where do russet mites originate?

The hemp russet mite grows in the hemp plant’s stems and petioles and may cause stunting. The mites may also be found on the underside of leaves in large concentrations. As a consequence, leaf size is reduced, and bud formation is inhibited.

How can you tell whether you are infested by russet mites?

The apparent symptoms that are caused by the russet mite are quite similar to those that are caused by other frequent disorders. Similar to what happens when heat stress is present, the fan leaves may have a glossy, moist appearance and a little curling at the margins.

Spots of yellow or golden may appear on the leaves, and these spots are occasionally also an indication of mosaic viruses.

Identifying Russet Mites on Cannabis

A bright orange creamsicle-colored arachnid with red eyes eating an egg (or perhaps a cocoon) on a green leaf

Growers will need a magnifying lens to spot russet mites on cannabis plants. Because mites are so minute, they might be difficult to spot with the human eye.

Generally speaking, the growers may use a magnifying lens to look closely at their plants and identify whether they have a russet mite infestation.

The mites are sap-sucking pests that start at the bottom of the plant and work their way up as they eat. They harm the plants by sucking out the sap and creating brown spots on the leaves.

How are russet mites transmitted?

Hemp russet mites can only travel a short distance on their own. They are easily moved by air currents, though, and fans will swiftly disseminate mites in enclosed locations. Some hemp russet mites may be passed from plant to plant on hands and clothes.

Russet Mite Life Cycle

The russet mite generally has a life cycle that is very short, lasting only 7 to 10 days. This means that they can complete their lifecycle very rapidly and can become a major problem for crops in a short amount of time.

After the eggs are laid, it takes two days for them to hatch. The newly hatched mites will then feed on the leaves of the plant for about ten days.

The eggs of the russet mites hatch within three days, and the larvae will appear soon after. The newly hatched larvae are generally very small and difficult to see with the naked eye. However, they can be detected with a magnifying lens or microscope.

The nymphs and larvae of the russet mites look very similar to the adult form. All russet mites have four legs, as opposed to eight, in all stages of life. Additionally, most mites are about 0.5 mm long; however, russet mites only measure about 0.25 mm in length.

They pupate and emerge as adults in another week. The females live for a maximum of three weeks and lay between one and two dozen russet mite eggs during their life. Russet Mite eggs are unable to stay dormant for extended periods, so the life cycle is very fast.

What Does Russet Mite Damage Look Like?

Russet mites are tiny, sap-sucking creatures that can cause significant damage to leaves. They leave yellow or brown spots on leaves and can kill plants if left untreated. There are a number of methods you can use to get rid of russet mites, including chemical and organic treatments.

In addition, an infestation of russet mites will cause the top leaves of plants to droop. The leaves may also be distorted and rough, stunted, or crinkled as a result.

One of the most telltale signs of russet mite infestation is the dull coloration on stems and leaves. In addition, leaves with burned or abnormally curled edges can also be symptomatic of russet mite damage.

How to get rid of Magnified Russet Mites?

Magnified Russet Mites are tiny pests that can cause big problems for your garden or farm.

They are difficult to spot with the naked eye, but with a little magnification, you can see them quite easily. If you think you have an infestation, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

They can cause significant damage to the plants and reduce yields. There are a variety of methods you can use to get rid of mites, but it is best to start from the bottom of the plant and work your way up. This will help ensure that all the mites are eliminated.

Natural and Organic Remedies

There are several organic and natural therapies accessible, such as –

Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol

It is an excellent low-cost method of combating adult russet mites.

It is preferable to treat before bloom, although it will still function in early flower before trichome growth.

Please keep in mind that this will not take care of the eggs; instead, see the method mentioned below.

Spray your cannabis plants with a 1:1 mixture of 90 percent or higher alcohol and water.

Neem oil

It is a fantastic natural solution for a variety of problems in your garden, classified as an insecticide, miticide, and fungicide.

When sprayed early on, Neem oil may be utilized to get rid of russet mites.

Do not use too often, and do not apply in bloom. It is advised to use diluted with water.

Safer Soap

Safer soap is a product that is made up of sulfur and is designed to kill mites. It can be used on both conventional and organic crops, but it is not recommended to be used past the second week of flower. Safer soap is a 3-in-1 solution for mites, insecticides, and fungicides.

It is USDA approved and can be used on plants that are grown indoors. It is effective in killing magnified russet mites.

Green Cleaner

It is an all-natural approach to keep mites at bay, hemp russet included. Corn oil, soybean oil, iso alcohol, magnesium sulfate, quillaja Saponaria, and sodium chloride are among the constituents.

The amazing thing about green cleaner mites is that they do not get resistant to them!

Insecticide soap

magnified russet mites

Insecticide soap is a way to stop the mites when first noticing them. It is important to act quickly as magnified russet mites can cause serious damage in a short period of time. Insecticide soaps are available for purchase at most garden stores.

The soap affects the mites’ breathing and feeding patterns, which ultimately leads to their death. While it may not be as effective as other methods, it is a cheap and easy way to get rid of magnified Russet Mites.

It is important to remember to spray before the lights go out, as this will help ensure that the mites are killed. There are a variety of other methods that can be used as well.

Enssentri ic3

The solution, developed by Enssentri ic3, uses peppermint and rosemary wintergreen oil to block the neurotransmitters of the insect. This will ultimately kill the mites.

Diatomaceous earth

A natural dietary supplement, diatomaceous earth is produced by fossilizing plankton. It is used to treat various types of health conditions. It has many different uses, but one of its most popular applications is as an insecticide.

DE can be used to kill a variety of pests, including magnified russet mites. It can be applied to plants to kill hemp russet mites and other pests.

Organocide

It uses all-natural oils and ingredients to kill mites, insects, and fungus. This product is generally a great option for those looking for an environmentally friendly way to get rid of magnified russet mites.

It can be used as a foliar spray or soil drench to help eradicate these pests from your garden.

Wettable Sulfur

Wettable sulfur is a compound that can be used to kill magnified russet mites. It is safe to use on your plants and will not harm them.

It is also effective against powdery mildew. When used correctly, wettable sulfur can provide long-term control of these pests.

Bugs and Predators

Take a look at the bugs and predators that may help you.

Lady bugs

To attempt to remove the russet mite, add a natural russet mite predator into your marijuana garden.

They like eating the mites all day. Ladybugs can usually be obtained at your local grow shop easily.

Predatory Mites

Amblyseius cucumeris, A. fallacies, and A. swirskii, for example). These predatory mites may be seen hanging from the bottom of your plant’s branches, which should be leafless.

Most beneficial insect suppliers in your region will have them.

Extreme Remedies

Following all of the other cures are the severe remedies that might help you. These are as follows:

Avid

It is a highly potent miticide that should only be used as a last option since it is extremely costly and harsh on your plants. Also, if you try it, do not use avid when in blossom.

Azamax

This is a product that works best as a three-in-one insect killer; it employs Azadirachtin, a food-grade formulation, to halt mites in their tracks by starving and disturbing the nervous system.

Floramite

This is an extremely potent miticide, similar to avid, and should not be used on cannabis plants. If you do, proceed with care.

Preventing Broad/Russet Mites in the Future

Red Velvet mite

When it comes to dealing with garden pests, prevention is always preferable to treatment. As a result, always ensure that your plants are growing in a healthy environment with enough ventilation/circulation and the appropriate temperature/humidity levels.

Furthermore, monitor your plants on a frequent basis and respond swiftly if you see any indications of stress. When mite infestations are detected early, they are significantly simpler to control.

Summary

When dealing with garden pests, prevention is always preferable to treatment. As a result, always ensure that your plants are growing in a favorable environment with enough ventilation/circulation and the appropriate temperature/humidity levels.

Additionally, monitor your plants on a regular basis and respond swiftly if you see any indications of stress. When mite infestations are detected early, they are considerably simpler to manage.

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.