How to Get Rid of Spider Mites Inside My House

Spider mites can be found on houseplants.

According to Colorado State University Extension, spider mites are common pests on many different types of plants. It is more likely that you will observe the damage done by spider mites than the actual spider mites themselves. Spider mites are very tiny and hard to see. If your houseplant, however, begins to become bronze in color, or appears to have small specks on the leaves, it is being attacked by spider mites. Spider mites can eventually kill your houseplant if you do not get rid of them.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 tsp. dish soap
• 1 pint water
• Empty spray bottle
• 2 percent horticultural oil
• Duster

Instructions

1. Remove any leaves on your houseplant that have been damaged by the spider mites. The leaves will die if left alone, but new leaves will grow in place of ones that are removed.

2. Create your own insecticidal soap by mixing 1 1/2 tsp. of dish soap with 1 pint of water. Pour it in a spray bottle and spray your houseplants. Do this if you have a mild case of spider mites.

3. Spray your houseplants with 2 percent horticultural oil if your spider mite infestation is more severe.

4. Dust your houseplants on a regular basis once the spider mites are gone. Dust attracts the spider mites and may cause them to return.

Tips & Warnings

• The chemical bifenthrin is effective against spider mites, but should not be used around children and pets.

References

• Colorado State University Extension: Spider Mites
• University of Nebraska Lincoln: Houseplant Pests
• Advice on Gardening: Homemade Insecticidal Soap