How to fight spider mites on basil? - briefly
Use a strong jet of water to knock mites off, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to both leaf surfaces every 5–7 days. Maintain high humidity and prune heavily infested stems to stop the population from rebuilding.
How to fight spider mites on basil? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of basil leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and leaf drop. Early detection prevents rapid population growth. Inspect plants weekly, especially in warm, dry conditions, by holding leaves over a white surface and looking for moving specks or fine webbing.
Cultural measures
- Maintain humidity above 60 % by misting plants several times daily or using a humidity tray.
- Space seedlings 12–15 cm apart to improve air circulation.
- Water at the soil level; avoid wetting foliage, which encourages mite movement.
- Remove heavily infested leaves promptly and dispose of them away from the garden.
Mechanical tactics
- Rinse plants with a strong jet of water, targeting the leaf undersides, to dislodge mites.
- Apply a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in soapy water to scrub affected areas.
Biological controls
- Release predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, or lady beetle larvae.
- Ensure a refuge of pollen or alternative prey to sustain predator populations.
- Avoid broad‑spectrum insecticides that harm beneficial organisms.
Organic sprays
- Prepare a solution of 1 % neem oil, 0.5 % insecticidal soap, or a horticultural oil mixture.
- Apply in the early morning or late afternoon, covering both leaf surfaces thoroughly.
- Repeat every 5–7 days until mite counts fall below damage thresholds.
Synthetic options
- Use acaricides containing abamectin or spirodiclofen only when infestations exceed economic injury levels.
- Follow label rates precisely; rotate chemical classes to delay resistance development.
Monitoring and record‑keeping
- Count mites per leaf segment (e.g., 10 mm²) and log results.
- Adjust management tactics based on trend data, scaling up interventions only when populations rise.
Integrating these practices—environmental regulation, physical removal, biological agents, and targeted sprays—provides comprehensive control of spider mites on basil while preserving plant health and minimizing chemical reliance.