Steph, I have heard that overhead watering will keep the insects at bay especially spider mites, not sure how true that really is. When I did have spider mites they were a lot worse where I had soaker hoses or hand watered. I've spent a pretty penny on soaker hoses and non have lasted very long. The flat ones lasted longer (2 seasons) than the regular ones (not even one season). They ended up with leaks all over the place.
