What should I spray on a spider mite? - briefly
Apply horticultural oil or a neem‑based spray, both effective against spider mites and safe for most plants. Insecticidal soap serves as a rapid‑acting alternative.
What should I spray on a spider mite? - in detail
Treat spider mite infestations with targeted sprays that act quickly and minimize plant damage. Choose products based on severity, crop type, and environmental considerations.
Chemical miticides such as abamectin, bifenthrin, or spiromesifen provide rapid knock‑down. Apply at the label‑recommended concentration, repeat after 7–10 days to cover the life cycle, and rotate with a different mode of action to prevent resistance.
Horticultural oils (e.g., neem oil, mineral oil) suffocate mites by coating their bodies. Dilute to 1–2 % v/v, spray until runoff, and repeat every 5–7 days during active growth. Oils are safe for most edibles but avoid use on young seedlings during high temperatures.
Insecticidal soaps contain potassium salts that disrupt mite membranes. Mix to a 2–3 % solution, ensure thorough coverage of leaf undersides, and reapply every 3–5 days until populations drop below economic thresholds.
Botanical extracts like neem seed kernel oil or pyrethrins offer contact toxicity and some systemic activity. Use at 0.5–1 % concentration, apply in early morning or late afternoon to reduce phytotoxicity, and observe a 5‑day re‑treatment interval.
Biological agents include predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus) and entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana). Release predators at 10–20 individuals per square foot; maintain humidity above 60 % for fungal efficacy. Biological controls complement chemical sprays and reduce recurrence.
For indoor or greenhouse settings, combine a mild oil spray with a weekly release of predatory mites. Monitor leaf surfaces with a hand lens; stop applications when mite counts remain under 2 per leaf.
Always wear protective equipment, follow label instructions, and calibrate sprayers to ensure uniform coverage. Record product, dosage, and date to track effectiveness and avoid over‑application.