What to spray on houseplants for spider mites? - briefly
Use a spray of diluted insecticidal soap or neem oil, applying until the leaves are thoroughly wet. Repeat the treatment every 5–7 days until the mites are eliminated.
What to spray on houseplants for spider mites? - in detail
Spider mite infestations on indoor foliage require direct contact agents that disrupt the pests’ respiration or feeding.
Oil‑based options
- Neem oil diluted to 0.5–1 % of the spray mixture suffices for most species. Apply until runoff, repeat every 5–7 days until mites disappear.
- Horticultural (mineral) oil at 1–2 % concentration works similarly; avoid use on succulents with thick cuticles that may retain oil.
Soap‑based options
- Insecticidal soap, prepared from 2–5 % pure potassium salts of fatty acids, kills mites on contact. Spray leaves, including undersides, in the early morning or late evening; reapply every 3–4 days.
- Homemade dish‑soap solution (1 tsp liquid soap per liter water) offers a low‑cost alternative; test on a small leaf area first to prevent phytotoxicity.
Botanical extracts
- Pyrethrin derived from chrysanthemum flowers provides rapid knockdown; use at label‑recommended rate, limit to three applications per month to avoid resistance.
- Garlic or peppermint essential oil emulsions (0.5 % v/v) deter mites; combine with a mild surfactant for even coverage.
Synthetic miticides
- Abamectin, applied at 0.05 % active ingredient, penetrates leaf tissue and affects mite larvae; reserve for severe outbreaks and follow safety intervals for edible plants.
- Bifenthrin, used at 0.01 % concentration, offers systemic action; restrict to non‑food crops due to toxicity concerns.
Application guidelines
- Ensure thorough wetting of leaf surfaces, especially the undersides where mites reside.
- Conduct treatments in moderate temperature (15–25 °C) and low humidity to enhance drying and prevent fungal growth.
- Rotate between oil‑ and soap‑based products to reduce resistance development.
- Observe plants for leaf burn or discoloration after each application; discontinue any formulation that causes damage.
Combining proper product selection with consistent timing and coverage eliminates spider mites while preserving plant health.