14 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Spider Mites on Plants

Dealing with spider mites can be frustrating, but getting rid of them is crucial to maintaining your plants’ health. If left unchecked, they can cause severe damage to both indoor and outdoor plants.

Spider mites are tiny pests that can infest beans, cucurbits, tomato plants, and other vegetables and plants [1]. They suck juice from plant cells, which can cause severe damage to the plants.

Here’s how to get rid of spider mites naturally:

1. Remove Infested Leaves

To tackle the problem effectively, heavily infested leaves must be removed and disposed of properly.

Place them in a plastic bag, seal it tightly, and dispose of it. However, if the entire plant is infested, you’ll need to remove it entirely.

These measures will help prevent other plants from becoming infected with spider mites.

2. Hose Them

This method is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to manage these plant pests. Using a garden hose to spray water on your plants should flush away web-spinning mites.

If the pressure is strong enough, this will wash them away entirely. But be careful not to damage your plants in the process.

3. Soap and Water

Another effective home remedy for killing spider mites is to mix a little dish soap with water and spray it on them.

Just combine three tablespoons of liquid dish soap with a gallon of water. Shake well and use it to mist your plants. The soapy water solution will suffocate the critters.

Alternatively, consider purchasing an insecticidal soap, such as this one. It works well to get rid of the two-spotted spider mite.

4. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is a natural repellent for some spider mites [2].

Create a homemade spider mite spray by combining three teaspoons of rosemary oil with a teaspoon of organic liquid soap in a liter of water.

Shake well and spray indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse plants.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another easy DIY remedy you can try. Mix two parts water and one part fresh lemon juice to create your own natural spray for spider mites.

Finally, fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray all the affected plants. This solution is safe for your plants and will help keep these pests at bay.

6. Natural Predators

Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, minute pirate bugs, and lacewings, will prey on spider mites. Predatory mites are also helpful in this way.

7. Neem Oil

Neem oil is a widely used pest repellent that works effectively against mite pests. Therefore, use it to make a DIY spray to help control spider mites.

Combine two tablespoons of neem oil, one teaspoon of liquid soap, and 1 gallon of water for the recipe. Shake well and spray your plants.

8. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Food-grade DE is an effective home remedy for killing spider mites on houseplants. It also works well for controlling a variety of other garden pests.

Diatomaceous earth has a dehydrating effect that kills these pests if they come into contact with it. It is very effective in the larval and adult stages.

Dust the powder on the plant’s leaves, stems, and surrounding soil.

You can also make a homemade spider mite killer spray by mixing four tablespoons of diatomaceous earth with a gallon of water. Use it to spray the critters. Once the solution dries out, it will dehydrate them to death.

9. Hot Pepper Spray

Hot pepper sprays can control spider mites and other garden pests. Use jalapeños, chili, or cayenne pepper.

Combine one teaspoon of hot pepper powder, a few drops of liquid soap, and a quart of water for a basic recipe.

Shake well, and then let it sit overnight. Afterward, use the solution to spray both sides of the leaves.

10. Debug ON

Debug ON is a powerful organic pest control product. It contains an ingredient that has been shown to control many plant pests, including spider mites.

Debug ON is a repellent that keeps certain pests away from your plants. It also serves as an insecticide, killing many common insect pests.

11. Organocide

Organocide is another organic product to kill spider mites on plants. It is excellent for use in the vegetable garden.

It also acts as a fungicide, suppressing plant diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. However, it should not be used on indoor plants.

12. Garlic Spray

The garlic water solution is another home remedy for controlling spider mites.

Blend five cloves of garlic in two cups of water. You can also add a small amount of liquid dish soap to the solution.

Blend until smooth, and then strain. Use this homemade spray immediately on the affected plants.

13. Bonide Mite-X

This product is a botanical pesticide containing azadirachtin. In addition to working against mites, Bonide Mite-X also kills aphids and thrips.

Moreover, you can use it on both indoor and outdoor plants. These plants include shrubs, fruit trees, flowers, and greenhouse plants.

14. Suffoil–X

This product has a suffocating effect, as the name suggests. It is made with refined, pre-emulsified mineral oil.

Dilute Suffoil-X according to the instructions and apply it to infested plants to treat spider mites.

It is also safe to use on your organic vegetables. Additionally, it doubles as an effective fungicide. In that sense, it works well for controlling plant rust and mildew.

See also natural russet mite treatments.

Takeaway

Spider mites can cause significant damage to both outdoor and indoor garden plants.

Once an infestation becomes severe, it can be challenging to control. However, by using a combination of these natural and organic pest repellents and control methods, you can effectively manage these pests.

Picture via extension.umn.edu