[Arid_gardener] spider mites

[Clair Spackman]

I have a wonderful rose bush outside my front door that I brought to AZ from CA this is its 3rd season with me.  It was in a pot but I transplanted it last May and it is very happy and has grown greatly.  However, every season I have owned it this rose has developed a severe case of spider mites.  Before arriving in AZ this time last year practically all its leaves fell off despite my attempts to get rid of the mites.  As is typical for spider mites they prefer the older leaves and attack those first.  So far I have used an insecticidal soap and this weekend used Neem oil.  The plants still look to be infested.  The neem oil says to use weekly but I'm worried that in 7 days my rose will be over run.

Any suggestions?  I really don't want all the leaves to fall off now it is in pride of place outside my front door.

Clair

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