How to Kill Overwinter Spider Mites
Mites are microscopic insects that attack plants to pierce their leaves and suck their juice. These insects multiply quickly, so a couple of mites can quickly turn into an infestation. During summer, the insects are relatively easy to find on plants. In winter, mite eggs and females survive in protected areas, making it more difficult to find and destroy them. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Release lacewing moths and ladybugs. Since most of the mite population during winter is in the incubation stage, building up a good population of predator insects at this point can be considered a preventative measure. Moths and ladybugs will eat spider mites when they hatch in spring.
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Spray your property with neem oil. This oil is nontoxic, so it will not harm beneficial insects. It does, however, kill mites and aphids. Female mites can overwinter in soil or host plants, so spray the entire area several times over the winter.
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Spray your plants with water consistently. Even cold-weather mites and eggs prefer dry environments, so keeping the moisture up will destroy eggs and kill adult mites.
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Tips & Warnings
Another nontoxic remedy for mites is a mixture of one part alcohol to one part water.
Pesticides are toxic, and will kill any beneficial insects you release.
References
- Photo Credit Waterdrops on the leaves of a rose-bush. image by Saskia Massink from Fotolia.com
