9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Broad Mites on Plants

Have you noticed tiny green, translucent, or amber oval-shaped dots on your plants’ young, expanding leaves? Don’t panic—it’s probably just broad mites.

These microscopic pests can stunt plant growth and cause curled leaves. The good news is that there are natural ways to eliminate broad mites without resorting to toxic chemicals.

In this article, I’ll share simple home remedies and organic solutions. These tips will help you get rid of these pests and stop future infestations.

What are Broad Mites?

Broad mites are tiny sap-sucking pests that can plague many houseplants and garden plants. At just 0.2 mm long, these minuscule mites are hard to spot with the naked eye [1].

You’ll know you have an infestation when you see distorted and stunted new leaves. These pests go after ornamentals such as gerberas, cyclamens, African violets, azaleas, and begonias.

They also affect pepper plants, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum, and chili. You may also find them on mango, avocado, papaya, hoya, beans, aubergine, coffee, cannabis, and potatoes.

How to Get Rid of Broad Mites Naturally

Regularly inspecting your plants for signs of damage can catch broad mite infestations early before they get out of control. Below are some natural remedies you can try.

1. Horticultural Oil

One natural method for controlling broad mites is to apply horticultural oil.

If used correctly and regularly, these lightweight oils can lower the number of broad mites on your plants and reduce damage. The oils can smother broad mite eggs, larvae, and adults.

Mix horticultural oil with water and a little dish soap. The amount to use will be on the package label. Use a higher concentration for heavy infestations.

Next, spray the oil solution thoroughly on the undersides of the leaves, especially new growth. Broad mites tend to congregate on the newest foliage.

Apply this broad mite treatment early in the morning or late in the evening.

2. Insecticidal Soap

This product is another remedy for broad mites. It damages the outer waxy coating of the mites and other soft-bodied insects, causing them to dehydrate and die.

You can find pre-made insecticidal soap sprays online. This multi-purpose soap spray treats many plant pest populations without harsh chemicals.

3. Pyrethrin

Pyrethrin is an organic pesticide found in some chrysanthemum flowers [2]. It attacks the nervous systems of insects and related pests.

You can buy pest control sprays containing this ingredient. Following the product label, spray the solution onto broad mites and infected plant parts.

However, do not spray it on bees, butterflies, or other beneficial insects. Pyrethrin is toxic to many insects.

This treatment also works against flat mites, cigarette beetles, tomato russet mites, glassy-winged sharpshooters, and other pests.

4. Hot Water

Another home remedy for controlling broad mites is to apply hot water. The extreme heat will kill the broad mites on contact.

To use this technique, bring water to a rolling boil. Next, let the water cool until it reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit (120℉ maximum). This temperature range is hot enough to kill the mites quickly but not damage most plants.

However, test the water on a small, inconspicuous leaf first to ensure it does not burn the plant. Each plant has a different heat tolerance, so proceed with caution.

Thoroughly drench the infested plant with hot water. The water must contact the mites directly to be effective.

This hot water treatment will kill the eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils contain natural compounds that can help to get rid of mites.

Some of the best essential oils for this purpose are peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, and clove oil.

Therefore, use these oils to make a homemade broad mite spray. Add 15 drops of each oil for every 4 ounces of water, and spray your plants.

6. Trap Crops

Trap crops are plants that attract broad mites away from your main crop.

Once the broad mites gather on the trap crop, you can remove them by pruning the infested plant parts or destroying the entire plant.

Some effective trap crops include marigolds and lantanas.

7. Predatory Mites

Predatory mites like Amblyseius andersoni and Amblyseius cucumeris eat broad mites. They are natural enemies of these pests.

You can purchase these beneficial mites to release in your garden.

Releasing predatory mites is an organic method for controlling broad mite infestations. These mites aggressively prey on broad mites and their eggs.

8. Neem Oil

When applied properly and regularly, neem oil can effectively and organically manage broad mites in outdoor gardens and indoor plants.

Mix one tablespoon of pure neem oil with one gallon of water. Next, add a teaspoon of liquid soap and shake well.

Spray the solution directly on infected plant parts. It will kill broad mites. This remedy will also repel other common plant pests.

9. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth can also kill broad mites.

Mix four tablespoons of food-grade diatomaceous earth with a gallon of water. Spray your plants with this DIY broad mite spray.

Takeaway

These are several natural treatments for pesky broad mites. To fully eliminate the infestation, try one or more of these methods and stick with them.

You’ve worked hard to grow beautiful, healthy plants, so don’t let these tiny pests have the upper hand!