How can spider mite be eradicated from a ficus? - briefly
Begin by rinsing the leaves with a strong jet of water to dislodge visible mites. Follow with repeated applications of a miticide—such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil—every 5–7 days until the infestation is eliminated.
How can spider mite be eradicated from a ficus? - in detail
Spider mites thrive on the undersides of ficus leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and webbing. Early detection involves inspecting foliage with a magnifying lens; look for tiny moving specks and fine silk threads.
Cultural measures
- Isolate the affected plant from other indoor specimens.
- Increase ambient humidity to 60 % or higher; use a pebble tray or misting several times daily.
- Maintain temperatures between 20‑25 °C; extremes favor mite reproduction.
- Remove heavily infested leaves and discard them in sealed bags.
Mechanical action
- Spray foliage with a strong jet of water, targeting the leaf undersides; repeat every 3–5 days until populations disappear.
- Wipe each leaf with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water (a few drops of mild dish detergent per litre).
Chemical options
- Apply a neem‑oil solution (2 % v/v) or horticultural oil, ensuring thorough coating of all surfaces; reapply after 7 days.
- For severe outbreaks, use a miticide containing abamectin or spinosad according to label instructions; observe safety precautions and limit use to prevent resistance.
Biological control
- Introduce predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates of 10–20 predators per square foot are effective.
- Maintain conditions that support predator survival: moderate humidity, adequate prey density, and avoidance of broad‑spectrum insecticides.
Monitoring and prevention
- Set sticky traps near the plant to detect early mite activity.
- Rotate treatments, alternating oil‑based products with biological agents to reduce resistance risk.
- Keep the ficus free of dust, which can conceal mites and impede spray coverage.
By combining environmental adjustments, physical removal, targeted chemicals, and natural enemies, spider mite infestations on ficus can be eliminated and recurrence minimized.