How to Control Spider Mites on Impatiens

Healthy impatiens

Impatiens are a perennial plant with flowers that are either pink, purple or white. Impatiens can grow up to 2 feet tall, and bloom during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Impatiens do have a few pests that can infest them and cause damage. One of those pests is a spider mite. Spider mites pierce through the impatiens, causing them to become yellow. If too many spider mites are present, the impatiens may even die. You will need to control the spider mites to keep the impatiens healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Ladybugs
• 2 tbsp. dish soap
• 1 gallon of water
• 5 drops of vegetable oil
• Empty spray bottle

Instructions

1. Remove any weeds near your impatiens, and keep the plant watered. Spider mites like dry conditions and keeping your impatiens watered is a form of prevention.

2. Keep an eye out for the spider mites by checking underneath your impatiens' leaves on a regular basis. Spider mites are extremely small and can be red, brown, yellow or green in color. You may also spot them if you see small webs that look like they have tiny eggs in them.

3. Let some ladybugs loose on your impatiens if you spot spider mites. Ladybugs are a natural predator of the spider mite and will get rid of the spider mites for you.

4. Mix together the dish soap, water and vegetable oil. This creates a homemade insecticidal soap.

5. Place the insecticidal soap in an empty spray bottle and spray your impatiens with it every couple of days until you have completely gotten rid of the spider mites.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the insecticidal soap once per week to keep the spider mites from coming back.

References

• Backyard Gardener: Impatiens Oliveri
• Martha Stewart: Impatiens
• Advice on Gardening: Homemade Insecticidal Soap

Resources

• Colorado State University: Spider Mites