Things You'll Need:
- Ladybugs or lacewings
- Pesticides/home remedies
- Slow-release fertilizer
- Magnifying glass
- Hot water
- Laundry detergent
- Plastic covers
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Step 1
Inspect your plants carefully, and inspect them often. Walk your garden, greenhouse or orchard several times a week to check for spider mites. Infected plants will look dusty and have small spider webs tangled in the leaves. Pay particular attention to the undersides of leaves. Always check new plants for spider mites and spider mite larvae before bringing them into your garden.
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Step 2
If you find pests or have an infestation, take steps immediately. Stop fertilizing heavily, to start. Plant-feeding insects such as mites prefer the fresh new growth brought on by heavy fertilizer. If you must fertilize your greenhouse plants, use a slow-release fertilizer.
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Step 3
Use insecticides to kill spider mites. Purchase these at a home and garden center, or make your own. Home remedies can be mixed up using dish or laundry soap and warm water.
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Step 4
Buy and use spider mite predators such as ladybugs and lacewing moths. These insects feed on spider mites and spider mite larvae. If you're going to use beneficial insects, however, keep in mind that they breed as well. You'll have to release a number of them into the wild consistently to keep your greenhouse from being overrun.
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Step 1
Vacuum your mattress, using the highest setting on your vacuum cleaner.
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Step 2
Cover the tops and sides of your mattress with a plastic lining to keep dust mites out or in. You can also put your pillow in a plastic case.
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Step 3
Wash your bedding, including blankets, in very hot water (at least 130 degrees F). Wash your sheets at least every 2 weeks, and your pillow at least once a year.
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Step 4
Reduce the temperature in your house. Dust mites like warm, humid conditions. Keep your house cold to kill them.
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Step 5
Clean your house regularly to avoid reinfestations.
