Q: How can I get rid of spider mites?

A: The best solution is a preventative solution. Spider Mites can suck the life out of a rose bush in just about two weeks if left untreated.

1. Remove foliage from ground up about 4 inches. This makes it hard for the mites to jump up to the lower foliage.

2. Spray a hard spray of water each day on the under side of the foliage. The mites apparently can't swim and this will also provide a cool mist for your roses during the hot summer months.

3. Spray a miticide on a regular basis, such as Avid to control the mite population.