How to treat spider mites on household plants? - briefly
Remove heavily infested leaves, wash the plant with a strong stream of water, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days while keeping humidity high and air flow good. Monitor weekly and repeat treatments until the mites are gone.
How to treat spider mites on household plants? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of foliage, causing stippling, yellowing, and webbing. Effective control requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical measures applied consistently.
Begin by isolating the affected plant to prevent spread. Increase ambient humidity, as dry conditions favor mite reproduction. Mist leaves daily or place a humidifier nearby, aiming for a relative humidity of 60‑70 %. Trim heavily damaged foliage and discard it in sealed bags.
Inspect all plants regularly, focusing on the undersides of leaves where mites congregate. Use a magnifying lens to confirm presence; even a few moving dots indicate an infestation.
Mechanical removal:
- Rinse plants with a strong stream of lukewarm water, directing the spray onto the leaf undersides. Repeat every 2‑3 days for two weeks.
- Wipe leaves with a soft cloth dampened in soapy water (½ teaspoon mild dish detergent per liter). This physically dislodges mites and their eggs.
Biological control:
- Introduce predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus. Release rates of 5–10 predators per square foot are typical.
- Apply a neem oil solution (2 ml per liter of water) as a foliar spray. Neem interferes with mite feeding and reproduction; repeat every 5‑7 days.
Chemical options:
- Use a horticultural oil (e.g., neem oil, rosemary oil) applied at the label‑recommended concentration. Ensure thorough coverage of both leaf surfaces.
- For severe cases, employ a miticide containing abamectin or spirodiclofen, following strict safety guidelines and rotating modes of action to avoid resistance.
After treatment, monitor plants for at least four weeks. Record mite counts each inspection to assess efficacy. Maintain proper watering, avoid excessive fertilization with high nitrogen, and keep the growing area clean to reduce future outbreaks.