Andre CampbellDealing with spider mites can be frustrating, but getting rid of them is crucial to maintaining your plants’ health.
Spider mites are tiny plant-feeding pests. They commonly infest crops such as beans, cucurbits, tomatoes, ornamentals, and houseplants [1].
Spider mites are often hard to see with the naked eye. However, fine webbing on leaves and tiny yellow or white speckles on foliage are common signs of an infestation.
They suck juice from plant cells, weakening plants and causing yellowing, stippling, and leaf drop. If left unchecked, heavy infestations can seriously damage both indoor and outdoor plants.
How to Get Rid of Spider Mites Naturally
Below are some natural and organic methods commonly used to control spider mites. Their effectiveness can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the consistency with which they are applied.
1. Remove Infested Leaves
To tackle the problem effectively, heavily infested leaves must be removed and properly disposed of.
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 infested with spider mites.
2. Hose Them
This method is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to manage these plant pests.
A strong spray of water can dislodge many spider mites and their webs. Repeated applications every few days are usually necessary to greatly reduce populations.
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 2 tablespoons of mild liquid dish soap with a gallon of water. Shake well, then mist your plants. The soapy water solution can kill spider mites on contact.
Alternatively, consider purchasing an insecticidal soap, such as this one. It works well to get rid of the two-spotted spider mite.
However, test the solution on a small section of the plant first, as some plants can be sensitive to soap sprays.
4. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has shown activity against certain mite species and may help suppress infestations when used regularly [2].
Create a homemade spider mite spray by combining 3 teaspoons of rosemary oil with 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap in 1 liter of water.
Shake well and spray indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse plants.
5. Rubbing Alcohol Spray
Rubbing alcohol can kill spider mites on contact. It is often used to treat houseplants infested with spider mites and other soft-bodied pests.
Mix 1 cup of 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol with 4 cups of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
Thoroughly spray the affected plants, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves. Spider mites often hide there.
Allow the solution to dry naturally. Repeat every few days as needed until the infestation is under control.
However, some plants can be sensitive to alcohol sprays. Test the solution on a small area first and wait 24 hours before treating the entire plant.
6. Natural Predators
Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis are among the most effective biological controls for spider mites, especially in greenhouses [3].
Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, minute pirate bugs, and lacewings, may also prey on spider mites.
7. Neem Oil
To make a DIY spider mite spray, combine two tablespoons of neem oil, one teaspoon of liquid soap, and one gallon of water. Shake well and spray your plants.
This remedy is excellent for treating spider mites on indoor plants. However, thorough coverage of the undersides of leaves is important, as spider mites often congregate there.
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 damages the protective outer layer of spider mites, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth works best when applied as a dry dust. Its effectiveness may be reduced when used as a spray because it relies on direct contact with dry particles.
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, spray the solution on both sides of the leaves.
Results may vary, and repeated applications are often needed.
10. Debug ON
Debug ON is a powerful organic pest control product. It is marketed for controlling a variety of garden pests, including spider mites.
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 powdery and downy mildews. However, it should not be used on indoor plants.
12. Garlic Spray
Garlic sprays may help deter some pests. However, research on their effectiveness against spider mites is limited.
To give it a try, blend five cloves of garlic in two cups of water. You can also add a small amount of mild liquid soap to the solution.
Blend until smooth, and then strain. Use this homemade spray immediately on the affected plants.
13. Avoid Broad-Spectrum Insecticides
Avoid unnecessary use of broad-spectrum insecticides. These chemicals can kill beneficial insects and may also worsen spider mite problems.
14. 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.
15. 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 can help suppress certain fungal diseases in addition to controlling mites and other pests. It is also safe to use on your organic vegetables.
Additionally, it works well for controlling plant rust and mildew.
See also natural russet mite treatments.
Spider Mite Prevention Tip
Spider mites reproduce rapidly in hot, dry weather.
Increasing humidity around indoor plants and reducing drought stress can make plants less attractive to these pests.
Takeaway
Spider mites can cause significant damage to both outdoor and indoor garden plants. Heavy infestations often produce fine silk webbing on leaves and stems.
Check the undersides of leaves regularly for fine webbing, tiny moving dots, and stippling damage. Once an infestation becomes severe, it can be challenging to control.
Also, many treatments don’t kill spider mite eggs. So, repeated applications are often needed to break the life cycle.
However, by combining these natural and organic pest repellents and control methods, you can effectively manage these pests.
Sasha Campbell
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