Natural Pesticide for Red Spider Mites
Red spider mites feed on plants, causing yellow speckles to appear on damaged parts of the plant. If enough mites are involved in the infestation, they can kill the plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Oils
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Washing plants infested with red spider mites with plant oils made from thyme, garlic, clove and sesame will both kill the mites and rinse them off of the plant. To fully remove the mites, you will need to wash the plant with oil at least twice, with each application about a week apart, according to "Agricultural Pollution."
Other Options
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Other natural options for killing red spider mites include releasing natural predators into the infested plants. A predatory mite called Phytoseiulus persimilus feeds on red spider mites. Regularly washing down your plants with a strong stream of water will knock mites off of them before they can do damage.
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Considerations
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Natural predators of red spider mites function best in certain climates and on certain host plants. When ordering them, be sure to inquire about the best conditions for them to be sure they will work in your home, according to The Ohio State University Extension.
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