How to Kill Spider Mites
Spider mites are one of several pests common to landscape and house plants. Severe infestations that are not controlled can result in stunted, discolored and dead plants. There are several types of spider mites and all are tiny and difficult to see. Use a magnifying glass, look for dots on your plants or examine the plants for fine webbing that some spider mites leave behind. There are several ways to kill the spider mites infesting your plants, so choose one, or try controlling them by rinsing them off your plants with a hard spray of water at least once a week. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Horticultural oil
- Insecticidal soap
- Pesticide
- Predator insects
- Bag
- Hose
Instructions
-
-
1
Apply a pesticide that is a miticide. Effective miticides available over the counter contain one of many chemicals, including diazinon, acephate and dimethoate. Always use pesticides as indicated on the label. Since pesticides do not kill the eggs, reapply every 10 to 14 days or as directed on the label until the situation is under control.
-
2
Purchase predator insects, such as lady bugs, predatory thrips or longipes, to kill and control your spider mite population. They are available online. Ask a county extension office which insects and how many would be best for your climate, weather conditions, plants and general situation.
-
-
3
Remove leaves that are highly populated with spider mites. This works well for indoor plants and small infestations. Bag up the leaves in sealed bags and discard. You can also take container plants outdoors and hose off all the leaves, top and bottom, to get rid of the spider mites. Do this away from a garden area.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Using pesticides can kill predatory insects, making the spider mite situation worse. Carbaryl and malathion, for example, often only exasperate the situation.
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
