How to get rid of mites in home plants? - briefly
Remove infested foliage, rinse the plant with a strong jet of water, and treat remaining leaves with an approved miticide such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, repeating every 5‑7 days until mites disappear. Maintain proper humidity, avoid excessive moisture on leaves, and inspect new growth regularly to prevent reinfestation.
How to get rid of mites in home plants? - in detail
Mite infestations on indoor plants develop rapidly when humidity is high and plant debris accumulates. Early detection relies on visual inspection of leaf undersides for tiny moving specks, stippled discoloration, or fine webbing. Prompt action prevents spread to neighboring foliage.
Cultural measures reduce suitable conditions for mites.
- Remove dead leaves and clean pots with a mild bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite).
- Increase air circulation by spacing plants and using fans.
- Adjust watering schedule to avoid excess moisture; allow soil surface to dry between waterings.
- Provide adequate light, preferably bright indirect sunlight, to strengthen plant defenses.
Mechanical removal disrupts populations.
- Rinse affected plants with a strong jet of water, targeting both leaf surfaces.
- Wipe leaves with a soft cloth dampened in soapy water (a few drops of mild dish soap per liter).
- Prune heavily infested shoots, discarding them away from healthy plants.
Chemical options include insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils. Apply according to label instructions, covering all leaf surfaces, especially the undersides. Repeat treatments every five to seven days until mites are no longer observed. Avoid systemic pesticides that may harm beneficial insects and indoor air quality.
Biological control introduces natural predators. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus consume spider mites and their eggs. Release rates of 10–20 predators per square foot establish effective suppression within two weeks. Maintain a humid environment (50–70 %) to support predator activity.
Monitoring continues after treatment. Place yellow sticky traps near plants to capture wandering mites and assess population trends. Record observations weekly; discontinue interventions once counts remain at zero for two consecutive checks.
Integrated management combining sanitation, environmental adjustment, targeted sprays, and predator release offers the most reliable solution for eliminating mites from indoor foliage.