Strawberries / Ornamentals – Two-spotted mite (𝘛𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘦)

Crop(s) Strawberries / Ornamentals
Insect(s) Two-spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae)

 

Guidelines 

  1. Monitor mite activity and treat infestations before thresholds are reached, i.e. spray earlier rather than later. Seek advice on local threshold levels. 
  2. Do not apply sequential applications of products from any one chemical group. This does not apply to various oils or sulphur as they are considered to have a lower resistance risk. 
  3. Preferably products with the same Mode of Action should not be used more than twice in a growing season. This does not apply to various oils or sulphur as they are considered to have a lower resistance risk. 
  4. Incorporate the use of predatory mites for the control of this pest wherever possible. 

 

Notes regarding the application of insecticides: 

To ensure the most effective control of the pest: 

  1. Product labels should at all times be carefully read and adhered to; 
  2. Full recommended rates of registered insecticides should always be used; and 
  3. Ensure good coverage of the target area to maximise contact. 

 

MoA Group*  Chemical subgroup  Active ingredient  No. applications permitted per crop per season  Crops 
1B  Organophosphates  Dimethoate  not specified  Ornamentals (refer labels) 
3A  Pyrethroids 
Pyrethrins 
Bifenthrin  2  ornamentals 
6  Avermectins
Milbemycins 
Abamectin, Milbemectin  2  strawberries, ornamentals 
10A  Clofentezine
Hexythiazox
Pyridaben 
Clofentezine
Hexythiazox
Pyridaben 
1  Strawberries, Ornamentals 
12B  Organotin miticides  Fenbutatin Oxide  not specified  strawberries, ornamentals 
12C  Propargite  Propargite  A maximum of 3 sprays applied over a period of 3 to 4 weeks  strawberries, ornamentals 
20D  Bifenazate  Bifenazate  2  strawberries 
25A  Beta-ketonitrile derivatives  Cyflumetofen  2  strawberries, ornamentals 
UN  Sulphur  Sulphur (S) as Wettable Sulphur  not specified  ornamentals 
UNM  Emulsifiable Botanical Oils,
Paraffinic Oils 
Emulsifiable Botanical Oils, Orange oil,
Paraffinic Oils 
no more than three in an 8 week period  strawberries, ornamentals 

Expert Committee on Insecticide Resistance guidance recommend a maximum of 2 non-sequential applications per season. See Guidelines, Point 2


URL: https://croplife.org.au/resources/programs/resistance-management/strawberries-ornamentals-two-spotted-mite/
Content last updated: July 22, 2026

CropLife Australia’s Resistance Management Strategies provide a guide for crop protection product rotation through product groups. The strategies are a useful tool that supports farmers’ adoption of resistance management. All crop protection products must be handled and applied strictly as specified on the product label or APVMA permits.

These Resistance Management Strategies do not replace product labels. They are a guide only and do not endorse particular products, groups of products or cultural methods in terms of their performance. It is important to check with the Australian regulator’s (APVMA) product database for contemporary information on products and active constituents. The database can be sourced through www.apvma.gov.au

The information given in this strategy is provided in good faith and without any liability for loss or damage suffered as a result of its application and use. Advice given in this strategy is valid as at 22 July 2026. All previous versions of this strategy are now invalid.