There are many natural ways you can get rid of spider mites and keep your plants healthy. Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that love to suck the life out of your plants, leaving them with yellow and brown spots all over. Keep reading for natural ways to control of spider mites from your landscape!
1. Neem Oil
Neem oil comes from the neem tree. It's a natural pesticide and insect repellent that is safe for people and pets but deadly to bugs on contact. Just mix 100 ml (about 3 ½ oz) of mild liquid soap with 1 liter (about 34 oz) of water, add 10 ml (2 tsp) of neem oil and spray this solution directly on plants infested by spider mites. Don't spray it directly on flowers as neem oil can be harmful to bees and other pollinating insects.
2. Ladybugs
Ladybugs are natural spider mite predators that will eat any spider mites they find in your garden, greenhouse or indoor plants. You can attract them by growing daisies and asters and using natural watering techniques like drip irrigation and mulching. It is also helpful to buy ladybugs from reputable dealers so you know you're getting live, healthy beneficial bugs – some suppliers sell "dead" bugs that haven't been stored properly and may already be dead or dying when you receive them!
3. Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is a natural pesticide that works by dehydrating bugs. It's completely safe for pets and people but can kill spider mites on contact. Mix 10 ml (2 tsp) of insecticidal soap in 1 liter (34 oz) of water, then spray on plants afflicted with spider mites. Just be careful not to overdo it on the amount of soap you use or you'll burn your plants!
4. Neem Oil Sprays
Like neem oil, neem oil sprays are made from the seeds of the neem tree. They work like natural pesticides and insect repellents while leaving no residue behind, which is great if you want to use an organic pesticide that won't harm beneficial bugs or natural predators. They're safe to use on fruits and flowers, just be careful not to get them into your eyes or mouth while you spray! Mix 100 ml (about 3 ½ oz) of mild liquid soap with 1 liter (about 34 oz) of water, add 10 ml (2 tsp) of neem oil and mix well. Then add any natural essential oils like lavender to reduce the smell. Spray this solution directly onto spider mites infested plant leaves and stems until they are thoroughly wet.
5. Dish Soap Spray
Dish soap is another natural pesticide that kills spider mites by dehydrating their bodies after coming in contact with the suds. Just mix 2 tbs of liquid dish soap with 2 cups of water, then spray the plants infested with spider mites. Be careful not to spray it directly on flowers as dish soap can harm pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.
6. Rubbing Alcohol Spray (Isopropanol)
Rubbing alcohol is a natural pesticide that kills spider mites by dehydrating their bodies after they come in contact with the high percentage of isopropanol, making this an effective natural treatment for spider mites. You can buy 99% pure ethyl alcohol which you can dilute by mixing equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. If you don't want to use pesticides, try out this natural remedy instead! Add 5 drops of natural essential oil like eucalyptus or lavender to reduce the smell. Spray the solution directly onto spider mites infested plant leaves and stems until they are thoroughly wet.
7. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves contain natural pesticides that can kill spider mites. Crumble up 1-2 dry bay leaves while they're still green (before it dries out), then place them inside a piece of pantyhose or cotton cloth bag, tie the opening tightly shut with string, then hang it in areas near your plants. The leaf crumbs act like natural pesticides because insects hate the natural compounds found in bay leaves (d-limonene and Linalool). This natural remedy works best when you already have an existing spider mite infestation since it's not very at preventing spider mite damage from the get-go.
8. Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins are natural pesticides that have been used for ages to treat spider mites. It's a natural pesticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower and works by paralyzing and killing bugs on contact. Mix 1 tsp of natural liquid soap with 1 tbsp of natural pyrethrin, 1 tbsp of vegetable or canola oil, then mix it into 1 liter (34 oz) of water. Spray this solution directly onto spider mites infested plant leaves and stems until they are thoroughly wet. You can also buy natural pyrethrins online.
9. Dust Your Plants With Diatomaceous Earth (Silica Gel)
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural pesticide that contains natural compounds called 'diatomaceous' which is made up of crushed fossilized diatoms, silica (silicone dioxide), and phosphoric acid which can kill spider mites. Silica gel is one of the most powerful natural insecticides, it works by shredding the protective coating on insects but doesn't effect mammals or beneficial insects. When using natural pyrethrin and neem oil concentrate shampoo to spray your plants with, use a small dusting of diatomaceous earth too for double protection against spider mites.
10. Mix A Homemade Insect Spray With Peppermint Oil And Soap
To make an insecticide spray at home you'll need: 1 cup hot peppermint tea 1/2 tsp natural liquid soap mix the ingredients together well, then spray them on spider mites infested plants until they are thoroughly wet. BONUS TIP: Peppermint natural pesticide works as a natural insect repellent too so you can use it to keep away insects from your plants after spraying this solution onto them.
Spider mites are one of the most common pests that infest plants, trees and flowers. They can be difficult to get rid of with chemical pesticides because they're so small and hard to see. When spider mites come in contact with plant surfaces or leaves, their feeding activity causes damage by sucking out the sap from the host's cells which leads to wilting, yellowing and even death if left untreated for too long. This blog post has 10 natural ways you can use at home - without chemicals - to help keep your plants healthy and free from these nasty little critters! Which method have you tried? Do share your experience below! If none of these methods work for you connect with professional tree care company and they helps you to keep your garden healthy and green.
