Remedies for aphids and spider mites and more. Cooking with your own hands

To make the fight against cobwebs as effective as possible, you need to know what type of mite has infected the houseplant. The following types of these pests are found in nature:

Red spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus). Red webworm most often affects indoor plants. It primarily affects callas, balsams, lemons, cineraria, roses, nightshades, and orchids. The body color of this pest varies from dark brown to bright red. The size of females reaches 0.5 mm, males - 0.3 mm. You can see them with the naked eye if you look closely at the bottom of the leaf. Red spider mites do not tolerate high humidity and low temperatures, but reproduces well in dry and warm conditions. The reproduction rate is not as impressive as that of the common spider mite, but still it is enough to infect a large surface of the plant in a couple of weeks.
Red spider mite - pest of indoor plants

Common spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). This is the most polyphagous species - it feeds on almost any plant and is sometimes found on potted plants, but prefers fruit crops, berries. He has a special “love” for apple trees, currants and blackberries. The greatest increase in the number of this animal is achieved in July-August. Common spider webs reach 0.3–0.6 mm in length - they are visible to the human eye. The color of the body changes depending on the stage of maturity - young larvae have a green or yellow tint, older individuals are brown and red. The common spider mite reproduces quickly - in less than a month it can lay up to hundreds of eggs, from which larvae hatch within a week.
The common spider mite is the most common type of spider mite that affects fruit crops.

False spider mite (phalaenopsis mite). It is much smaller than the cobweb and is almost impossible to see with the naked eye. The main difference between a false tick and a true one is the absence of a web. Its presence on the plant can be noticed only by tiny, almost indistinguishable bodies running along the leaves. It is extremely important to be able to distinguish a spider mite from a false mite, since conditions that are detrimental to the first cause the rapid reproduction of the second. Thus, the spider mite quickly dies in high humidity and coolness, while the false spider mite feels very comfortable in such conditions.

Three more types of mites - Atlantic, hawthorn and date - only affect fruit crops. For example, the Atlantic prefers cotton, clover, alfalfa, strawberries, apple trees, and pears. Hawthorn (which is most often found in Germany and Austria) likes to reproduce on apple trees, plums, and apricots. The date tree is practically not found in Russia due to its preferred climate - it is more comfortable than those in hot and dry countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Signs of plant damage

How can you reliably determine that a houseplant has been attacked by a spider mite? The symptoms that indicate a pest are quite varied:

Small eggs can be seen on the underside of the leaf. The eggs laid by spider mites are very small, but thanks to a large number their presence can be determined even with the naked eye.
Depending on the type of tick, the color of the eggs can vary from white to grayish.

The most important and most unambiguous sign is the appearance of a thin cobweb on the underside of the leaf or between the leaf and shoots. The cobweb is not durable and is easily erased from the sheet even with bare hands. Mites can move along the surface of the web, which can be seen with the naked eye.

A thin web on a plant is the main sign of the presence of cobwebs

Yellowing of leaves. This is a later sign, which indicates that the plant has been under attack from spider mites for more than a week.

Falling and dry leaves. Withered leaves and shoots, dried by the mite, soon curl and fall off.
Leaves attacked by cobwebs quickly dry out and lose color.

Fighting spider mites

The peculiarity of this pest lies, unfortunately, in its survivability. It reproduces quickly and lays a huge number of eggs in a short period. Because of this, unfortunately, it will not be possible to get rid of spider mites in one or two procedures. It is necessary to apply comprehensive measures to destroy both adults, larvae, and laid eggs.

Spider mite on different stages his life cycle dies from different conditions and drugs

Chemicals

Chemical pest control products are most effective, but can be toxic. When using them, it is important to strictly follow safety precautions:

isolate treated plants from animals and children;

use medications wearing a protective mask and gloves;

Carry out thorough ventilation or use the product outdoors.

Please note - ticks are not insects. Spider mites are arachnids, so insecticides (chemicals used to kill insect pests) will not work on them. It is necessary to choose from acaricides:

"Aktellik" is an insecto-acaricide. This drug is effective against both insects and ticks. Actellik is extremely toxic, so its use indoors is not recommended. If you need to apply it to a houseplant, it is better to take the pot outside or to a well-ventilated balcony while it is being treated. “Actellik” is a very powerful and effective remedy, so it is excellent for mass plant infestations. Unfortunately, it does not kill eggs, so after it it is necessary additional processing another acaricide. Unlike other means, it can cope not only with the most common ticks (red and common), but also with more exotic species that are rarely found in Russia (date, Atlantic, hawthorn).

Actellik is a highly effective but very toxic drug

"Fitoverm" is an acaricidal agent. It is less toxic than Actellik, so its use is also acceptable in indoors. However, it still poses quite a risk for children and animals, so treated plants must be placed in a place inaccessible to small household members. This product can be used without protective gloves and a mask, but after finishing work, be sure to thoroughly rinse your face, mouth, and hands. “Fitoverm” also does not destroy spider mite eggs, only adults and larvae.
"Fitoverm" is an effective and low-toxic acaricide

"Neoron" is an effective acaricide that destroys not only adult ticks, but also tick eggs. It is toxic, so you need to remember safety precautions and ventilate the room well after using it. Despite the fact that it quite quickly destroys the pest population, one application of the product is not enough - it is necessary to carry out at least three treatments of the plant. It is best to carry them out at intervals of 3–5 days - this is not enough time for the larvae to hatch from the eggs and produce a new generation.
"Neoron" is a powerful acaricide that can remove the entire population from a plant

"Sunmite" - like "Neoron" effective remedy to destroy both adult ticks and larvae with eggs. This drug can only be used once every six months, otherwise the pests may develop immunity. “Sunmite” is used by dissolving at the rate of 1 g of acaricide per 1 liter of water. The plant is carefully sprayed, it is especially important to treat the underside of the leaf - the drug is effective only in direct contact with the larva or adult.

"Sunmite" is an acaricide with an ovicidal effect

Biological method

This method was developed by Candidate of Biological Sciences G. A. Beglyarov. Its essence is simple - feed the spider mite to a predator that feeds on them in the natural environment (acariphage). Today, garden stores offer sachets (small bags) containing natural enemies of the mite - phytoseiulus or amblyseius. The method of control in this case is as follows: the bag is hung from one of the branches of the affected plant and opened. Predators immediately go looking for food. In one day, each of the acarifages eats several adult ticks and several dozen eggs. Within a week, the colony of spider mites is emptied, and the predator itself dies a few days later from starvation.

Phytoseiulus - acarifagus that feeds on spider mites

This method is recognized by scientists and gardeners as extremely effective, but it is not suitable for use on plants with heavily pubescent leaves (for example, violets).

Folk remedies

If the plant has just been attacked by pests, and their population is not yet large enough, you can use gentle folk remedies:

Medical alcohol. Cotton pad or a small sponge should be moistened with a solution of alcohol (1:10) and thoroughly wipe all the leaves of the plant. Unfortunately, this method does not destroy tick eggs, but it works well against adult ticks. If the spider mite has not yet had time to leave its future offspring on the leaves of the plant, then such treatment will be enough to get rid of the pest. Look at the underside of the leaf - if you do not find small whitish fixed dots, then the pest has not yet laid eggs. Please note that this method is not suitable for plants with thin and sensitive leaves (rose, fuchsia, petunia), but is well tolerated by denser ones (ficus, dieffenbachia, phalaenopsis). Rubbing alcohol is a universal remedy that will help not only disinfect wounds, but also get rid of pests of indoor plants.

Tobacco smoke. This method is certainly not the safest for humans, but if you or anyone in your household smokes, you can use this bad habit to eliminate spider mites. The smoker must release smoke onto the plant. Tobacco smoke is extremely harmful to adult spider mites, but it will not get rid of eggs and larvae.
Tobacco smoke contains many toxins and combustion products that are harmful to spider mites

Laundry soap. This method is ideal for plants with large leaves: violets, dieffenbachias, orchids, and some types of ficus. Laundry soap must be whipped into foam and lubricated with it on the leaves of the affected plant. This product does not kill the tick directly, but creates a dense film through which the pest cannot breathe and feed. After treatment, the plant is left with foam on the leaves for 3–5 hours, then the product is washed off with a warm shower. weak pressure. Without allowing the plant to dry out, you need to cover it with a plastic bag or any other “cap” that will prevent the moisture from quickly evaporating. The combination of a foam film and high humidity is detrimental to an adult spider mite, but eggs can survive this impact - additional treatment with an acaricide chemical will be required.
Laundry soap is one of the most available ways fighting spider mites

Garlic. One large head Finely chop the garlic and add three liters of water. The mixture is infused for five days, after which it is filtered and sprayed on the leaves of the affected plant. This method can show its effectiveness only at the early stage of the lesion, when the spider mite colony is still very small.
Garlic is very useful not only for humans, but also for plants affected by spider mites

Spread of the pest to other plants

Spider mites, unfortunately, very quickly spread to neighboring plants, since they not only have the ability to reproduce quickly, but also the ability to overcome relatively large distances (for a tiny pest). To prevent mass infection of your green pets with ticks, you should take the following measures precautions:

the plant on which you found a tick must be urgently isolated from other potted plants;

all plants that were in the same room with the affected one must be checked for signs: cobwebs, eggs, mites themselves;

if several plants are affected, they also need to be kept isolated from each other until complete recovery.

Prevention of spider mites

Spider mites can enter your home in two main ways: on a new plant or through a window. To significantly reduce the risk of ticks entering the house, any new plant purchased in a store (even a trusted one) must be kept separately for the first time until the absence of diseases and pests is confirmed.

Plants in flower shop are often susceptible to attacks by various pests, so immediately after purchase it is important to cure a new pet before placing it next to the others

The pest can enter the window along with the wind, especially in hot and dry weather. Of course, we cannot keep the windows closed all the time (stale air is no less destructive for plants than spider mites), so we need to create the most uncomfortable conditions for the mite in the house itself:

Spider mites do not tolerate high humidity. Use a humidifier and regularly wet cleaning. If your plants are not fans of desert and dry conditions, mist them regularly. The mite, as a rule, lives on the underside of the leaf, so this is where you need to pay attention when spraying.

Once a week, wash the leaves of the plants with soapy water. This allows the mite to suck the juice out of them, and therefore the pest will quickly die of starvation.

Moisture-loving plants can be washed 1-2 times a week under a warm shower. Ficus and ivy tolerate this procedure especially well. Ticks that may end up on their leaves will die from the flow of warm water.

What to do with succulents? These indoor pets cannot tolerate spraying, moisture on the leaves, or high humidity in general - how can you protect them from spider mites? Fortunately, this pest does not threaten succulents. The fact is that succulents have fleshy leaves with a dense shell that ticks simply cannot bite through.

Succulents are beautiful and unpretentious indoor plants that, in addition, are not threatened by spider mites

Are spider mites dangerous for humans?

Spider mites are phytophagous - that is, animals that feed on plants. For humans (including small children), as well as for animals and birds, it is completely harmless. Spider mites cannot bite through human skin.

Spider mites are one of the most malicious enemies of house plants. Fortunately, with the help of simple and inexpensive means, you can effectively deal with it, protecting flowers from this pest.

Spider mites belong to the class Arachnids. This must be taken into account when choosing a pest control agent; preparations for the destruction of insects do not work on it.

It lives for about a month, the female can lay unfertilized eggs, from which new female ticks are hatched in 3-5 days, capable of laying eggs on their own in a week (up to hundreds of pieces). Behind a short time the population can increase hundreds of times. The spider mite hibernates in the ground or in the crevices of hotbeds and greenhouses; eggs, in anticipation of favorable conditions, do not lose their viability for several years.

Just emerging, the spider mite larva bites into the leaf suitable plant from the bottom side, and begins to suck out the juice. The spider mite “menu” includes about 200 plant species. The appearance of a pest can be detected by noticing yellow drying points and spots on the surface of the leaves. Looking at the underside of the leaf, you can see a thin web and small greenish or red creatures - this is the spider mite. With a large number of pests, plant leaves quickly dry out, growth slows down and is inhibited. In addition, spider mites can carry infections that are dangerous for plants (gray rot, viruses). If urgent action is not taken, you can lose the entire plantation, the tick spreads very quickly.

Ticks are especially rampant in protected soil. In a greenhouse, with its elevated air temperature and many places where you can comfortably overwinter, the tick feels great. Therefore, in addition to the usual means of exterminating the pest, autumn washing and disinfection of the greenhouse is mandatory.

Preparations to combat spider mites

Cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, and beans are especially often affected by spider mites. It causes considerable damage to flowers, especially asters and roses. Apple trees, cherries, pears, mulberries, currants, strawberries and gooseberries also suffer from the pest.

When choosing a drug to combat ticks, you need to remember that it is not an insect, and there is no point in using insecticides.

Acaricides used against spider mites: Omite, Flumite, Demitan, Apollo, Bitoxibacillin (10 g per 1 liter of water), Borneo. Insectoacaricides will also be effective: Fufanon, Oberon, Aktofit, Kleschevit, Fitoverm (1 ml per 1 liter of water), Karate, Agravertin, Akarin (2 ml per 1 liter of water), Vertimek.

The drugs are diluted in strict accordance with the attached instructions.

Important! Treatment with chemicals is carried out taking all precautions: when spraying on foliage, you must wear a respirator, goggles and gloves. After finishing work, put your work clothes in the wash, wash your face and hands with soap. Smoking or eating while working is prohibited!

Due to the short development cycle of the mite and the ineffectiveness of the drug on the pest eggs, several plant treatments are carried out. Usually, 3 – 5 sprayings are enough, with an interval of 4 – 7 days. The higher the air temperature, the shorter the interval between sprayings.

The tick has the ability to get used to and adapt to toxic substances, so medications need to be changed regularly. You need to focus on the change of the active substance, carefully reading the composition of the drug on the package.

The disadvantage of the use of chemicals can be considered their toxicity to pets and people.

Some substances (phosphorus-based) are prohibited for use in closed space. Many products cannot be sprayed on fruit-bearing plants. The use of such strong agents is justified in case of severe damage to plants and large area landing

Folk methods of struggle

Spider mites cannot tolerate high air humidity. With a small number of pests and to prevent its occurrence, it is useful to wash the plants with a stream of cool water. Barrels and buckets of water are placed in greenhouses to increase air humidity (at 80% - 85% humidity, the tick dies). These measures are quite effective, provided that the plants high humidity not harmful. This method works well for cucumbers. To increase air humidity in open ground, in addition to the shower, the bushes can be wrapped with pieces of film or placed wide containers of water under them.

The timely (preferably daily) collection of the affected foliage and its burning prevents the spread of the pest.

In the greenhouse you can place open jars of turpentine or ammonia. The fumes from these substances will poison the tick. Less caustic, but still good remedy- chopped garlic and onion.

Sowing calendula among vegetables will help scare away the pest from the beds.

Can be used in a greenhouse effective biological method fight against spider mites - launch a colony of predators that feed on them. These are predatory mites Amblyseius and Phytoseilus. They are not dangerous to plants and will die when they deal with the pest. You can buy them at large garden nurseries.

Washing the leaves with soapy water will help get rid of the pest. To prepare it, use simple laundry or tar soap; you can purchase special green soap at a garden store. Dissolve the soap in a bucket of water and wash the affected plant generously.

Important! When the soap solution dries, it forms a film on the leaves, which prevents the plant from breathing. Therefore, a couple of days after treating with soap, the bush should be washed with plain water.

It is easy to prepare an infusion of onion and garlic for spraying affected plants. 200 g of garlic or onion are crushed and infused in a liter of water.

For onions, a few hours are enough. The garlic is infused for a day, then the solution is diluted with water 3-4 times. The resulting mixture copes well with spider mites, even if their numbers are small.

Herbal infusions for spraying plants against ticks:

• dandelion infusion - 0.5 kg of greenery is infused for several hours in a bucket of water;
• calendula – 100 g of crushed herbs per 1 liter of water, infused for 4 – 5 days;
• celandine - a teaspoon of herb, pour a glass of boiling water and cool;
• yarrow – brew 100 g of dry raw material with a liter of boiling water, dilute with 5 liters of water.

Preventive measures

1. It is necessary to regularly inspect the plants in order to notice the pest as early as possible and take action.
2. Autumn digging of soil and filling the soil phosphorus fertilizers will help destroy the pest hiding in the ground.
3. Greenhouses and greenhouses are washed and replaced in the fall upper layer soil, fumigated with a sulfur bomb, and the frame is whitened with lime.

Spider mite on indoor plants- photo:

Numerous light spots, and if the colony is large, then the plant is covered with a thin, barely noticeable cobweb(hence the name mite) and very soon begins to dry out.

They can be difficult to detect due to too small in size and color, helping to blend in with the foliage (mites are brownish, greenish and yellowish in color). Females remaining for the winter are red in color.

Female ticks live less than a month, but during this period they are capable of laying hundreds of eggs. New individuals appear in the clutch after three days. The most a big problem is that eggs remain alive for up to 5 years.

They wait in the wings on the bark, in the axils of the plant, in the soil and even in window frames, on window sills and in chipped flower pots. That is why the fight against them can be long.

Spider mites are often brought from the shop, so the new plant must be quarantined for at least two weeks.

Types of ticks

Cobwebs on flowers: what to do? To understand how to remove spider mites from indoor flowers, you need to know that they there are several types:

Houseplants are also attacked by other types of mites: Pacific, strawberry, red(flat).

All mites are capable adapt to the most unfavorable conditions , slow down vital processes before the onset good conditions for reproduction. This state is called diapause.

How to fight at home?

Fighting spider mites is difficult, so it’s worth doing prevention.

Most types of ticks do not like humid air, and plants are needed Spray more often, maintain humidity at the right level in different ways.

Immersing the plant in water It rarely helps, because mites are able to form an air bubble around themselves.

The leaves of the plant need wipe on both sides with a damp soft cloth, which must be rinsed constantly hot water so as not to transfer mites from plant to plant. Fallen leaves and flowers should not be left in the pot.

Pots in front reuse must be washed with detergents, it is better to store them in unheated rooms in winter. Wash frames with detergents. Wooden frames paint as often as possible.

Spider mites not only harm the plant themselves, but are also carriers of various diseases, for example, gray rot and spores of various fungi.

Treatment

How to treat flowers against spider mites at home?

All remedies will be effective only if multiple processing. Neighboring plants, frames and window sills also need to be treated.

Treatment

How to cure flowers from spider mites? If a mite is detected, the plant must first be thoroughly washed with laundry or tar soap. Lather each leaf and each bosom, whipping the foam with your hands and gently working all parts of the plant. Leave the flower for several hours (you can also leave it for a day), covering it with a plastic bag. Then rinse off the soap thoroughly under a warm shower.

If the lesion was minor, then such a procedure will be enough, however, it is necessary be sure to repeat two or three times during the week. The plant should be sprayed with warm water twice a day and inspected regularly.

Wash the frames and window sill hot water with anyone detergent. The remaining plants on the windowsill also need to be treated in order to prevention. Spider mites do not tolerate Fresh air and ventilation.

What to do if the defeat has gone far enough? You must first treat with soap, then spray with preparations "Intavir", "Fitoverma", "Karbofos". When treating a window, it is also worth adding Karbofos to the water.

Sometimes it helps A fairly simple method: Place an open container with finely chopped garlic or turpentine, tightly close the plant along with the container for 2-3 days. The edges of the pot need to be lubricated tar.

Ways to fight flowers

How to get rid of spider mites on indoor flowers? For each plant you need to select individual method struggle.

Orchid

Spider mite on an orchid - photo:

The flower is amazed many types of ticks, for example, the phalaenopsis mite living in the sinuses. Spider mites on orchids - how to fight? First, the plant must be washed with soap and water, then treated with one of the chemicals, it is better to use a non-toxic "Fitoverm" or water solution drug "Aktellik".

Spider mites on an orchid: what are the control measures? To fight the tick, special sticks produced in Holland are used, which are stuck into the ground in a pot with an orchid. Action “Plant-pin” and “Etisso” sticks based on following principle: the substance of which they are composed dissolves during irrigation, is absorbed into the ground and, together with water, is absorbed by the roots, from where it enters the ground part of the plant, the flower becomes unsuitable for ticks to feed on.

Soil, moss, orchid pots after purchase treated with boiling water for the prevention of spider mites.

What an orchid affected by a spider mite looks like and how to avoid plant infection - in this video:

Balsam

Mites often infest balsam trees. If this happened at the end of summer, autumn or winter, then the plant needs cut off radically. Wash the remaining part and treat it with an insecticide, better with medicine "Alatar", since it is very difficult to get rid of mites on balsam.

Spider mites on balsam - how to fight? If infection occurs in spring and summer, then the plant is treated with soapy foam, then sprayed with an insecticide, the procedure is repeated several times after 3-5 days. If the plant is not of particular value, it is better throw away and prevent the appearance of mites on other flowers.

Spider mite on balsam - photo:

Indoor rose

How to cure and save a rose from a spider mite at home? Spider mite on a rose in room conditions appears constantly therefore it is important to carry out prevention. But if the plant is already affected, then treatment should be started as soon as possible. Are there home remedies for spider mites on roses?

On indoor rose a web appeared: what to do? First, you need to wash the rose with hot, up to 50-55 degrees, water with dissolved soap. Leave the plant for a day under a plastic bag and then rinse with water of the same temperature.

Then you need to try processing garlic infusion. If this does not help, then spray with any chemical preparation, it's better to use "Neoron".

How to use a spider mite remedy on a house rose? In each case, when you have to process a flower, you need to resort to the help of various chemicals.

Spider mite on a room rose - photo:

Spider mite on a home rose: how to fight?

About, how to process homemade rose from spider mites, you will find out by watching the video:

Several Yet useful tips About, how to get rid of from a spider mite on a rose at home, you will get from this video:

Ficus

For the prevention of spider mites, ficus is necessary spray regularly. Spider mite on ficus - how to fight? In case of infection, thoroughly wipe each sheet on both sides well soaped with a rag and, having kept the plant for a day under a plastic bag, wash off the soap with warm water. Then you need to spray the ficus alcohol solution of calendula, diluted with water, without missing a single leaf.

Irradiation of leaves is effective ultraviolet light, which ticks cannot tolerate. Ficus leaves can be covered oil-containing the drug and leave it like that for several days.

Spider mites on ficus - photo:

Anthurium

If you find numerous colonies of mites on a plant, you must first wash with soap, cut out those leaves that are severely affected. Then remove from the pot, inspect the roots, remove damaged ones, carefully wash the roots V warm water and transplant into a clean container in new soil.

After this, spray the plant epinome. As a rule, such treatment is sufficient.

But if you can’t get rid of ticks in this way, you will have to resort to spraying more toxic drugs, for example "Karate".

Spider mites on anthurium - photo:

Violet

Most often, violets (Saintpaulias) are affected by the cyclamen mite. Trim the affected leaves, then spray the flower with the drug "Fitovern", repeat the treatment twice after 10 days.

Spider mite on a violet - photo:

Dracaena

The plant is attacked by a simple spider mite. The fight against it is to wash it long leaves in warm water with soap.

If after repeated water procedures the mite still remains, then you need to resort to an insecticide. For example, to "Fitoverma".

Spider mite on dracaena - photo:

The most effective prevention spider mites on any indoor plant - wash under a warm shower with laundry or tar soap.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

Spider mites (class Arachnida) are tiny pests that suck sap from plants. They attack the undersides of leaves and suck the sap from plants; A large infestation of these mites can even kill the plant. As soon as you discover an infestation of these pests, get rid of them immediately! This can be done using both chemicals and natural means.

Steps

Detection of spider mites

Look at the surface of the leaves. If the plant is indeed infested with spider mites, the leaves will be yellow spots. When light hits the leaves, you will see a silvery color or even streaks of bronze or silver.

• Although mites usually live on the underside of leaves, sometimes they get greedy and eat the top side of leaves and flowers as well. Over time, they will make holes in the leaves, providing the most obvious evidence of infection.
• Even if you can't find holes in the leaves, the plant may still be infested with spider mites, so keep an eye out for other signs of infestation.
• Other signs of tick damage include irregular shape, deformation, wilting, spotting, streaking or discoloration of the leaf surface. If spider mites are particularly harmful, leaves may begin to fall.

1. Check the plant for white webs. This hallmark some spider mites. Webs usually accumulate around food sites. Please note that not all types of spider mites will spin webs.

   Confirm the presence of spider mites. Spider mites are so small that they are very difficult to see. However, one method can be used to confirm their presence. Take a piece of white paper, place it under the plant if you suspect it is infested, and lightly shake the stem of one of the leaves.

   • A few spider mites will fall onto the paper. With a magnifying glass you can see them.
   • There are spider mites various colors, including red, green, yellow and brown. They have eight legs and tend to move rather slowly.
   • Please contact Special attention for ticks with spots on the back. This is the two-spotted spider mite and is particularly difficult to get rid of.

2. Be especially vigilant with certain plant species. There are certain plants that spider mites favor more than others.

   • In particular, pay attention to possible infections miniature roses, fruit trees, bananas, potted begonias, beans, mint, broadleaf bushes, strawberries, jasmine and houseplants.
   • Keep in mind that two-spotted spider mites infect more than 100 various types plants.

3. Be especially careful in dry and dusty weather. These conditions are where spider mites can cause the most damage, as they are thirsty and seek moisture in plant leaves. This also means that they are very attracted to anything grown behind glass, including plants found inside on window sills.

   Natural remedies

   1. Remove heavily infested parts of the plant immediately. Clean up fallen leaves and remove severely damaged leaves from the plant itself. This will prevent mites from attacking other plants nearby. Place the leaves in a plastic bag, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash or burn it.

      • If the entire plant is infested, consider throwing it out. This will give other plants a better chance of survival.
      • Water infected plants from the top only and remove affected areas as soon as you notice them.

   2. Wash and wipe down indoor plants regularly. This won't cause much extra hassle, but may be the most effective and non-toxic way to rid your plants of spider mites.

      • Use plain water or a solution of lukewarm (cool) water and very mild remedy for washing dishes or soap. You can use any type of soap, but Castile soap is especially effective. You can also take special insecticidal soap.
      • Use a sponge dipped in water to wipe down individual plant leaves, or pour water into a spray bottle and spray the undersides of the leaves.
      • After six days, if the infestation continues, apply the soap solution again. Be careful as some plant species are particularly sensitive to soap, so test the soap solution on a small part of the plant before spraying the whole thing.

   3. Use herbal acaricides. There are many commercially available acaricides (mite repellents) that use natural ingredients that kill spider mites but leave the plant and other insects unharmed. Here are the most popular ones:

      Wash outdoor plants with a hose. Attach a spray nozzle to a hose and use it to water infested outdoor plants. Spray the water with high pressure and try to target the underside of the leaves. This will help wash away the spider mites.

   4. Use homemade herbal tea. If you want to make your own miticide at home, you can make an herbal tea by mixing a tablespoon of ground cinnamon, a tablespoon of ground cloves, and two tablespoons of Italian seasoning (consisting of a mixture of ground basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and possibly other herbs) onto liter of water.

      • Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat. Once cooled slightly, add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic. Leave to steep until the water has cooled completely, then strain through a cloth or coffee filter.
      • Add some liquid dish soap to your tea and then pour into a spray bottle. Sprinkle with this tea bottom part infected leaves every three days for two weeks. This should effectively kill the ticks.

   5. Use organic salts. Fatty acid or potassium salts may be abrasive against mite organisms. For maximum impact on mites, apply them in the evening to keep plants hydrated for as long as possible.

      • Spray the plants with water in the evenings to create a cooler, more humid environment. This works well against the two-spotted spider mite, which prefers a warm, dry environment.

   6. Control weeds around plants. Don't give the mites extra hiding places and launching pads to attack the plants you're growing.

      • Take special care to remove all broadleaf weeds.
      • Remove any debris remaining after harvest. This includes removing plant debris, fallen leaves and other plant matter.

   7. Increase the number of ladybugs and other insects that prey on spider mites. Predatory insects such as lacewing larvae, predatory thrips and ladybugs can destroy the spider mite population if they are in the garden. However, one of the main reasons for the increase in spider mite populations is the use of pesticides that kill them natural enemies. Therefore, you should avoid using pesticides such as carbaryl, malathion and imidacloprid.

      • These insects can be purchased online, at garden centers, or through advertisements in gardening magazines. Additionally, herbs such as amaranth and borage may naturally attract ladybugs to the garden.
      • Ask the seller to give detailed information on how to get the most out of predatory insects, noting that you will have less success if you use them in mixed crop areas.
      • Predatory mites can also be used against spider mites. Look for Phytoseiulus persimilis or others predatory species ticks at the garden center, then follow the instructions for use.
      • Under favorable conditions, predatory mites can destroy the spider mite population. Interestingly, ladybugs do not touch predatory mites, focusing only on spider mites!
   • Some spider mites can be seen with the naked eye. Others are microscopic in size, so they cannot be seen individually, although a cluster can be seen. Use a magnifying glass if you want to get a better look at the ticks!
   • Spider mites can be not only red. Gardeners often lump them all together, regardless of color, based on the amount of damage they cause.
   • There are different families of spider mites. Relatives of eight-legged arachnids may weave silk threads around food locations, both for ease of movement and for protection. The Tetranychidae family is probably the most dangerous to plants. They puncture individual plant cells and extract the liquid contents from the cells, leaving the plant cells to fill with air. The two-spotted mite is the most common spider mite, attacking gardens, greenhouses and homes.

   Warnings

   • Getting rid of spider mites can be a challenge. Be persistent and try not to accidentally create conditions that ticks like (warmth, plus cover, plus a little moisture for most; excessive dryness for some other species).
   • Keep in mind that pesticide use also affects predatory insects, which may also be able to control infestations and return everything back to natural balance. Use them with caution and follow safety precautions.
   • Better control of ticks natural ways than pesticides. Ticks tend to develop resistance to pesticides very quickly.
   • Some viruses are transmitted to plants from mites. This is another one good reason to try to get rid of them.