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Re: Spider mites

> After many seasons, I'm now convinced the mulch is the culprit.  Either
> they're attracted to the mulch from the surrounding area (we have lots of
> pine trees here, and I've been told that mites like conifers) or I'm
> bringing them in with the mulch.  Whichever the case, the problem has been
> serious enough that I've had to resort to using a potent miticide, Avid,
> which has worked absolutely great.  Cold water baths, systemic bug killers,
> Isotex, plain Orthene, organic oils, like SunSpray, non-organic oils, etc.

Aphids prefer to be dry and warm, and your mulch is cooler and moister,
so I guess that's why they'd migrate to the leaves given a chance.  I'm
really surprised though, given that, that they are being brought *in* in
the mulch unless it's being stored in a very dry, warm location that
would be conducive to their habitat.  Do you buy bags, or bulk?

You might try filling the bags with water (like on your driveway) and
letting that sit for a day or two.  Seems like the aphids would cruise
then, or drown.
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