lol, Hi Growman, small world.
John, first thing you have to do is identify it. I haven't run across any info on mites that are as big as fleas, adults are normally the size of a pin head. And ticks look a lot like mites, so be carefull.
There are 6,000 types of mites though, so I guess there might be a big one in the group. I don't know much about ticks, but if they're mites you can use insecticides or suffocants. Mites develop immunities quickly, so in my opinion suffocants are a more sure way, and they're organic using oils to suffocate the mites. You can find various brands at you local hardware store or nursery. Neem Oil suffocants seem to be very popular, just read the ingredients till you find one with Neem Oil, or some other type of oil.
If you want to use insecticides, I've heard good things about Flora-Mite, but it's on the expensive side. There are a lot of other ones on the market, again you just have to read the ingredients. You can find them also at hardware stores & nurseries.
Whether you use suffocants, insecticides, or both, you'll want to treat at least 3 times, 1 week apart from each other. If you're using insecticides you'll want to use a different one each time (different main ingredient in the ingredients). If you use a suffocant you might be able to get away using the same stuff all 3 times, but I'd suggest being on the safe side and using at least 2.
If you have the money you can also get predatory bugs, there are several. Predatory mites have to colonize before they'll take them out, so it can be weeks. But Mite Destroyers & Pirate Bugs work quicker. You can get them at your local nursery or grow store. They're expensive though, and they die from starvation after the mites are gone.
For prevention, you need to put a screen over your intake. Mite/thrip screens are best but stockings will work in a pinch.
Lady Bugs also make a good preventative measure. Mites wont nest where predators are present. But Lady Bugs aren't 100%. It is safe to use suffocants arround them though which is a plus. They'll keep the count down so your treatments will be more successful. Even with the lady bugs you'll still want to treat 3 times minimum.
Now there is a chance that they're not mites. Can you post a pic? If not, check this thread out and see if you see something that looks like what you have.
https://www.rollitup.org/marijuana-plant-problems/216537-self-diagnose-your-plants.html And if you don't have a microscope yet, get to radio shack and pick up a cheap one at least ($10). Make sure it's at least 60x magnification.
Also, white flies & fungus gnats can be destructive to your plants. Make sure your flies aren't either one of those.
