small red spdiers

[SMW]

Hi guys,

Apologies if this seems a silly question. I have heard a few people mention that red spider mites can cause trouble in the garden. Last year my garden (decking in particular) was full of very very small spiders. I am unsure if these were infact red spider mites as they didnt seem to have the large round body like a tick would, but similar size. Should be be something to be concerned when starting out a few fruit trees and veg this year for the first time?

Thanks

S

[Thelma Sanders]

They were probably red velvet mites (red spider mites are so small you can hardly see them without a magnifying glass)

They eat small creatures in the soil and would do no harm to trees and veg.

[The poly tunnel poet]

A rule of thumb my teacher said.... If it runs and moves quickly it is a predator if it curls up or moves slowly it has found its food source...

[SMW]

Thanks folks