How to eliminate spider mites from plants? - briefly
Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to all foliage, especially undersides, and repeat every 5–7 days until mites are gone. Complement treatment with frequent water sprays and removal of heavily infested leaves to lower the population.
How to eliminate spider mites from plants? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant foliage, causing stippling, yellowing, and reduced vigor. Effective control requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical measures.
Maintain optimal growing conditions. Over‑watering and excessive humidity discourage mite reproduction, while adequate ventilation reduces leaf wetness that favors their development. Remove heavily infested leaves promptly and dispose of them away from the growing area.
Apply mechanical removal techniques. A strong jet of water sprayed onto the undersides of leaves dislodges mites and their eggs. Repeat the treatment every few days during an outbreak.
Introduce natural enemies. Predatory phytoseiid mites such as «Phytoseiulus persimilis» and «Neoseiulus californicus» consume large numbers of spider mites. Release rates of 10–20 predatory mites per square foot provide rapid suppression. Preserve beneficial insects by avoiding broad‑spectrum insecticides.
Utilize horticultural oils and soaps. Diluted neem oil, horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap applied to both leaf surfaces smothers mites and interferes with their respiration. Follow label directions for concentration and re‑apply at 7‑ to 10‑day intervals until populations decline.
Employ selective acaricides when other methods prove insufficient. Products containing abamectin, spirotetramat, or bifenazate target mites while sparing most pollinators. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance, and observe pre‑harvest intervals.
Monitor regularly. Inspect plant foliage weekly, focusing on the undersides where mites congregate. Use a hand lens or magnifying glass to detect early infestations and adjust control tactics accordingly.