Plant parents know how pesky spider mites can be. Since these little arachnids can make your plants visually unattractive, you may want to learn how to get rid of spider mites.
Good news for you, there are some ways to prevent spider mites attack on your plants. Whether you want to know how to get rid of spider mites on indoor plants or outdoor plants, following tips will do you good.
How to get Rid of Spider Mites
Generally you have two options to get rid of spider mites: naturally and chemically. Either way, you can control the pest and solve the problem. If you don’t have any idea, following points will help you out.
1 Use Natural Predators
Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators to spider mites, allowing you to keep their population in control. If you try to avoid chemicals, get some natural predators and see how they work.
During this treatment, be sure not to use pesticides on your plants. You may also need to provide food for the predators so they stick around your garden.
How to get rid of spider mites on indoor plants using live predatory mites are completely safe for plants and people. Luckily, you can easily order mites and insects online.
2 Spray Essential Oils
Essential oils help you with controlling these arachnids. How to get rid of spider mites with essential oils is very easy—get a spray bottle, fill with water, and add a few drops of essential oils.
Which part of plant to spray with this solution? To encourage its effectiveness, apply essential oils to affected leaves. You may also want to spray the stem or wherever you see the tiny creatures.
When it comes to oil choices, you can opt for coriander, chamomile, rosemary, and spearmint essential oils. Based on studies, these ingredients are effective to kill spider mites adults and eggs.
3 Opt for Diatomaceous Earth
If your plants are flowering, you may want to know how to get rid of spider mites during flowering. Diatomaceous earth could be the best alternative as it is safe for plants and human.
Made from organic material, this is an organic pesticide that helps control arachnids, including spider mites. This material is non-toxic to animal and people so you have nothing to worry out.
How to get rid of spider mites using diatomaceous earth? Simply sprinkle the organic pesticide on infected plants and let it dehydrate the exoskeleton of spider mites before killing them.
4 Use Insecticidal Soap
How to get rid of spider mites during flowering can be executed using insecticidal soap. Unlike most pesticides that kill all insects, this version only works on spider mites.
This method is effective on contact so you have to apply the solution on both sides of leaves. Be sure your plants are healthy enough before using this soap. Always check the labels before use.
5 Apply Hot Peppers
Peppers are toxic to spider mites, making it a brilliant method to get rid of adult spider mites naturally. You can either choose jalapenos, bell peppers, or cayenne peppers to make hot pepper repellent.
What’s great is that it works on both indoor and outdoor plants. How to get rid of spiders on outdoor plants using hot peppers solution is super simple. Get the repellent and spray on the plant.
6 Use Dish Soap
Dish soap is effective to kill spider mites. How to get rid of spider mites using dish soap is extremely as it only needs two ingredients: water and dish soap.
Mix a gallon of water and 3 spoons of soap to make spider solution. Spray on infected plant leaves—it would be better if you work on both sides.
This method of how to get rid of spiders on outdoor plants is safe for plants, people, and pets.