Sasha CampbellHave you noticed your plant leaves turning russet-colored or greasy-bronze lately? You may have russet mites on your plants.
However, don’t reach for the harsh chemicals yet. Several natural remedies can get rid of these pesky mites and restore your plants’ health.
Identification
Russet mites, also known as rust mites or thistle mites, are tiny pests that feed on plants and damage leaves, stems, and fruit cells.
They’re barely visible to the naked eye [1]. But you’ll know they’re there from the rust-colored spots on plants.
Russet mites may cause damage to a wide variety of crops and other plants, especially:
- Fruit trees, like apples, pears, and citrus.
- Vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
- Other plants include hemp and cannabis.
Controlling russet mites in home gardens and orchards requires careful monitoring. The best results come from combining different strategies.
How to Get Rid of Russet Mites Naturally
If you suspect a russet mite infestation, act quickly before these microscopic pests destroy your plant. Below are some home remedies and natural control measures that you can employ.
1. Horticultural Oils
Horticultural oils are commonly used by gardeners to treat russet mites. These lightweight oils coat the mites and block their breathing holes, causing them to suffocate.
If appropriately used, horticultural oil sprays effectively control russet mite infestations.
2. Beneficial Nematodes
Introduce beneficial nematodes into the soil before planting. This will help eliminate russet mite nymphs in the soil after they have hatched.
You can purchase packets of beneficial nematodes to apply to moist soil. Once the nematodes are in the soil, they will actively hunt down these critters.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil contains a compound that repels and kills many common garden pests, such as russet hemp mites, aphids, scales, and spider mites. It is an organic way to keep these critters away.
Make a homemade russet mite spray by mixing 5 ml of concentrated neem oil with 2 ml of mild liquid soap in a liter of water. Spray the solution directly on the plants at the first sign of damage.
4. Destroy Severely Infected Plants
If the infestation of these mites on your plant is severe, it may be best to remove the plant entirely. As sad as it is, some plants cannot be saved once the mites have taken over.
One badly infested plant can eventually infest the entire garden if not removed promptly and carefully.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is another organic russet mite killer. The sharp edges of this fine powder will cut into the mites’ exoskeleton and dehydrate them, causing their death.
Apply it as a wet solution (4 tablespoons per gallon of water) to infested plant leaves, coating both sides of the leaves and stems. You can also dust it onto the top layer of soil around the base of the plant.
6. Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap controls broad mites, russet mites, spider mites, and other garden pests. It’s a handy pest management tool for any organic gardener.
To make insecticidal soap spray, mix four tablespoons of liquid dish soap (not detergent) per gallon of water. Castile soap is a good option.
Next, add the soap to the water and mix well to combine. The soap should fully dissolve in the water.
Finally, spray the soapy water solution liberally on the infested plant. If the DIY process is too much, you can purchase insecticidal soap.
7. Predatory Mites
Predatory mites, like Amblyseius andersoni and Amblyseius cucumeris, help control russet mites.
These predatory mites feed on russet mites, broad mites, cyclamen mites, and other mites. They are very efficient hunters of these mites.
8. Bonide Sulfur Fungicide
Bonide Sulfur Fungicide is an organic powder that can be used to prevent fungal spores from maturing. It is also effective against rust mites and other plant pests.
Mix and apply this sulfur dust according to the instructions that come with your purchase. The sulfur in the solution will naturally stop the mites from feeding on your plants.
9. Agro Pest
This product blends thyme oil and rosemary oil. It’s a powerful pesticide that fights mites, thrips, psyllids, and other soft-bodied pests.
Thyme oil is an excellent endocrine disruptor and repellent. Rosemary, on the other hand, interferes with neurotransmitters and kills eggs.
Combining these two ingredients makes it effective for all insect or pest development phases.
Takeaway
So there you have it: some all-natural solutions for ridding your garden of those pesky russet mites. No toxic chemicals are needed—you can fight them off with natural remedies.
Try these methods to find what works best for your situation. The key is to start treatment as soon as you spot the mites before they get out of control.
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