Plan RLEM control with TIMERITE's new updates
Friday 29 August 2025 SARDIPestFacts
Controlling redlegged earth mites (RLEM) before they lay over-summering eggs is one of the most effective ways to reduce the following year’s population. These eggs, produced in spring, remain dormant through summer and hatch in autumn, allowing mites to re-establish in emerging crops and pastures. Well-timed control in late winter to spring, before diapause egg production, can greatly reduce numbers and help prevent damaging outbreaks the next season.
There are useful tools are available to support effective RLEM management, including:
- Cesar's RLEM Severity Risk Calculator, which assesses paddock-specific risk based on current mite numbers, rotation history, and planned crops
- TIMERITE, a free online tool that determines the optimal spray timing in late winter to spring, before over-summering eggs are laid.
TIMERITE just got smarter
TIMERITE's was recently upgraded with a new look and enhanced modelling that incorporates climate variability and climate change. This improvement means the tool can more accurately predict when RLEM begin producing over-summering eggs so you can time control measures for maximum impact.
The refreshed, user-friendly website makes it easier. Simply enter your postcode to see the:
- best spray date - pinpoint the single most effective day for control in your location
- ideal spray window - get a broader timeframe where control remains at least 95% effective, offering flexibility to manage around weather conditions, and coordinate RLEM control with other farm operations like weed or disease management.
For many parts of southern Australia, the best spray dates are now, on average, up to 27 days earlier than in the past. It's expected that targeting control earlier in the season is expected to boosts RLEM control effectiveness by up to 30%, helping protect vulnerable crops and pastures in the following season.
Acknowledgements
Cesar Australia managed TIMERITE's updates and improvements in collaboration with CSIRO, AWI, GRDC, and Meat & Livestock Australia.