I’m not big on spraying for pests and try to be organic. A few things I did learn—spider mites are prevalent in both Houston and the hill country—and most organic solutions and generic sprays including pyrethrins and malathion sprays didn’t do much against them. I even tried getting natural predators shipped to me. The predators either died because of the heat or left because of it, and the spider mites multiplied faster than a barnyard full of rabbits.

Find a spray specifically for spider mites. Most plant nurseries carry the specific insecticide—Home Depot type places did not. The spider mite spray worked very well—it was from Greenlight. I say was, because it is no longer available. If you can find something specific to just spider mites it will probably work well—spray before you see serious signs of mites. I’m using Neem Oil at the moment (also from Greenlight and I think Garden Safe also makes a neem oil product).

If you have a juniper tree (this includes cedar) dying from what looks like drought, it’s probably spider mites. Neem oil works on spider mites, but is a contact spray so you must spray 7 days apart to keep infestations down. Also, if you have had mites in the past, spray before you see any mite damage.

In some ways insecticidal soap works faster than neem oil, but does nothing against eggs and is not a deterrant. Both pesticides have to be sprayed 7 days apart (or sooner) and you have to keep after them constantly. After trying both, I think the neem worked better, but I was spraying it more often than seven days apart. Also, any pesiticide should be used before it is too hot, including neem oil–it can burn the leaves.  So spray early while it is in the 70s and spray often.  As it gets into the 80s cut back and do the spraying in the evening.  I’m not certain you can use neem oil once the temps are above 90.