How to Control Spider Mites on Indoor Plants

Spider mites are tiny (1/50 of an inch), rust-colored insects that have piercing/sucking mouth parts. They suck the fluids from leaves and stems, robbing plants of essential nutrients. Plants become weak and their leaves may drop. Indoors, spider mites thrive in the warm, dry environment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gravel
• Spray Bottles
• Gravel
• Horticultural Oils
• Pyrethrin
• Insecticidal Soaps
• Neem Oil

1. Identify spider mite damage by looking on the undersides of leaves for tiny, rust-colored specks and webs. Plants with spider mite damage have a sickly appearance and, possibly, yellowing of the leaves.

2. Hold a piece of white paper under a leaf, and give the leaf a good hard tap. If tiny, rust-colored specks fall on the paper, your plant has spider mites.

3. Isolate the infested plant from the rest of your houseplant collection. Spider mites are invasive and will infest other plants.

4. Spray a strong jet of water over all surfaces of the plant, including stems, foliage and undersides of the leaves. The stream will wash the insects off. This is the easiest way to control spider mites.

5. If the water alone doesn't do the job, spray with a soap/oil mixture. Mix 1/2 tsp. insecticidal soap, 1/4 tsp. horticultural oil, and 1 quart water in a spray bottle.

6. For more stubborn infestations, spray with pyrethrin or neem oil. Water the plant well before spraying. Both of these products are organic but have a good track record for controlling spider mites. Numerous chemical products are also available for the control of spider mites.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try the least toxic method of pest control as your first step.
• Provide additional humidity by placing gravel in the saucer under the plant.
• Isolate newly purchased plants for two weeks before introducing them into your plant collection. This gives you time to inspect for insect pests before they develop into problems.
• Keep plant debris and fallen leaves off the surface of the soil to eliminate potential hiding places.
• If you choose a chemical control, always wear protective clothing and safety gear, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, neoprene gloves, goggles and a respirator.

on 12/30/2005 I have dealt with spider mites many times. There is only solution I have found for an infestation, short of getting rid of all of the species of plants spider mites.

Nature's Control sells natural predators. Any infestation from live insects can be remedied by introducing bugs that enjoy feasting on your pests, in this case spider mites. Your plants will thank you if you avoid spraying soap on them.

on 11/22/2005 The best natural, organic solution for spidermites and 250 other plant sucking bugs is "Einstein Oil" - see Einsteinoil.com