How to Get Rid of Spider Mites on Houseplants

Spider mites are small insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye. The destruction the mites cause on plants is not so difficult to notice, however. When foliage becomes yellowed or mottled, spider mites are often the cause. You may also notice webs on the plant, another indication of spider mite infestation. Spider mites spread easily from plant to plant. You should treat all indoor plants for these mites at the same time, even if you don't see visible damage yet.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Dish soap
• Cloth
• Scissors or garden shears
• Insecticidal soap

Instructions

1. Poor a quart of warm water into a bucket. Add half a tsp. of liquid dish soap, as suggested by the University of Minnesota Extension.

2. Dip a clean cloth in the solution. Wipe the foliage of your houseplants with this solution, cleaning the topsides and undersides of all leaves. If you have so many houseplants that this is too time-consuming, you may instead rinse off each plant beneath warm running water.

3. Use scissors or garden shears to cut off and remove dead or dying foliage, and throw it away.

4. Spray each plant with insecticidal soap, covering the entire plant. You may need to repeat the spraying after one week. Purdue University Extension advises checking the plants closely for remaining mites after five to seven days. If you find any, spray the plants again. Colorado State University Extension advises you may need to treat (weekly or biweekly) infested plants for up to one month.

Tips & Warnings

• The University of Minnesota Extension recommends washing tools you use on or near the plants, as well as your hands, after handling infested plants. This helps prevent the spread of mites.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Houseplant Insect Control
• Colorado State Extension: Spider Mites on Houseplants
• Purdue University Extension: Spider Mites on Houseplants