How to Get Rid of Spider Mites in My Alocasia Polly Plant
Spider mites are among the most common insect pests of plants, capable of infesting Alocasia polly and a wide and diverse range of other host plants. Spider mite damage is unsightly and can often threaten the overall health and life of the plant. Luckily, you can avoid this damage by using a simple method to control spider mites as soon as you see them on your Alocasia polly plant. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Protect any nearby populations of spider mite predators. Under normal circumstances, spider mite populations are kept in check by their many predators, including predatory mites, sixspotted thrips (Scolothrips sexmaculatus), spider mite destroyer lady beetles (Stethorus picipes), Cecidomyid feltiella acarivora fly larvae, minute pirate bugs, bigeyed bugs, lacewings and other predators. Avoid the use of broad-spectrum insecticides that could unintentionally harm these predators' populations.
-
2
Introduce additional moisture to the area around your Alocasia polly plant. Mite populations flourish in dusty, dry conditions. Encourage the spider mites to leave by washing dust off of your Alocasia polly plant as well as applying water to dusty paths and walkways and keeping other nearby plants well irrigated to prevent drought stress. A forceful spray of water onto the Alocasia polly plant can also dislodge spider mites that are already infesting the plant.
-
-
3
Treat your Alocasia polly with insecticidal soap or oil. Spider mite population explosions often follow heavy use of synthetic chemical pesticides, so in general, pesticide use should be limited and only used after the failure of natural control methods. If pesticide use is necessary, insecticidal soaps and oils carry the least risk of unintentionally contributing to spider mite explosions. Purchase an insecticidal oil or soap that is safe for use on Alocasia polly plants and follow the manufacturer's directions exactly.
-
1
