How should you spray with ammonia for spider mites? - briefly
Mix household ammonia with water to a 1% solution (one part ammonia to nine parts water) and thoroughly spray the foliage, covering both leaf sides until runoff; repeat every 5–7 days, avoiding direct sunlight and wearing protective gear.
How should you spray with ammonia for spider mites? - in detail
Ammonia can be an effective contact agent against spider mites when applied correctly. Prepare a solution of household ammonia (5‑10 % concentration) diluted to 0.5 %–1 % with water; for example, mix 1 ml of ammonia with 100 ml of water to achieve a 1 % mixture. Add a mild surfactant such as a few drops of liquid soap to improve leaf coverage.
Before spraying, test the mixture on a small portion of the plant for 24 hours to confirm tolerance. Apply the spray early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are below 30 °C and sunlight is low, reducing the risk of leaf burn. Use a fine‑mist nozzle to coat the undersides of leaves thoroughly, as spider mites reside there. Ensure the foliage remains wet for at least 5 minutes; re‑wet if rain or wind dries the spray prematurely.
Repeat applications every 5–7 days until mite populations decline, then extend intervals to 10–14 days for maintenance. Rotate ammonia with other mite‑control measures (e.g., horticultural oil, neem extract, biological predators) to prevent resistance. Do not apply on stressed or flowering plants, and avoid contact with edible parts that will be consumed raw.
Safety precautions: wear gloves, goggles, and a mask; work in a well‑ventilated area; keep the solution away from children and pets. Store unused mixture in a sealed container, labeled clearly, and discard any solution older than 24 hours. Proper dilution, timing, and thorough coverage maximize efficacy while minimizing phytotoxicity.