How to get rid of spider mite on plants using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply a neem‑oil or insecticidal‑soap spray, diluted according to label instructions, directly to the foliage, covering both upper and lower surfaces; repeat every 5–7 days until mites disappear. Complement the treatment with homemade sprays made from garlic, pepper, or diluted vinegar, ensuring thorough coverage and observation of plant response.
How to get rid of spider mite on plants using folk remedies? - in detail
Spider mites thrive in dry, warm conditions and can quickly defoliate ornamental and edible plants. Effective home‑grown solutions focus on increasing humidity, disrupting the mites’ life cycle, and introducing natural predators.
A mild spray of water applied to the foliage in the early morning or late afternoon lowers leaf temperature and reduces mite activity. For persistent infestations, prepare the following preparations:
- Soap‑water solution – dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of pure liquid castile soap in 1 liter of lukewarm water. Add a few drops of horticultural oil if available. Spray until both sides of the leaf are wet; repeat every 5–7 days until no moving mites are observed.
- Neem oil mixture – combine 1 teaspoon of cold‑pressed neem oil with 1 teaspoon of mild soap in 1 liter of water. Apply similarly to soap‑water spray. Neem interferes with mite reproduction and feeding.
- Garlic‑pepper rinse – blend 2 cloves of garlic, 1 small hot pepper, and ½ cup of water; let steep for 12 hours, strain, then dilute with 1 liter of water. Add 1 teaspoon of soap for adhesion. Use weekly.
- Alcohol‑water spray – mix 1 part isopropyl alcohol (70 %) with 3 parts water; add a few drops of soap. This solution kills mites on contact but should be tested on a small leaf area first to avoid phytotoxicity.
Increase ambient humidity by misting plants several times a day, placing trays of water near the pots, or using a humidifier. Higher humidity hampers mite reproduction and encourages beneficial insects.
Introduce biological control agents such as predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) or ladybird beetles. These organisms can be purchased online or at garden centers and released directly onto affected plants.
Maintain proper cultural practices: prune heavily infested leaves, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, and ensure adequate airflow around the canopy. Regular inspection—examining undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass—allows early detection and prompt treatment.
Combine the above measures in a rotation schedule: start with a soap‑water spray, follow with neem oil after a few days, and alternate with garlic‑pepper rinse. Continue until two successive inspections reveal no live mites. This integrated approach, relying on readily available household ingredients and natural predators, eliminates spider mite populations without synthetic chemicals.