- A safe and relatively inexpensive way to rid your plants of spider mites is to mix together 1 cup of the all-purpose cleaning solution 409, 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 3 cups water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and thoroughly apply it all over your plants, especially focusing on the underside of the leaves. Respray the mixture on the plants every 3 to 4 days for a total of six to eight applications. If you do not have any 409 cleaner, use insecticidal soap mixed with a little bit of water. Do not use the soap in hot summer months as it may burn sensitive plants.
Use the spider mites' natural predators to control their population. The natural predators of spider mites are ladybugs, lacewings and predatory mites. Collect these insects outdoors or buy them at a gardening shop. Spread the insects all over the plants and then let them do their work.
Since spider mites flourish in dry, arid conditions, you can disrupt their lives by spraying your plants with water to dampen the spider mites environment and loosen the web and eggs from the plant. Frequently water and wipe down the leaves to detach webbing and eggs and make the environment undesirable to the spider mites. - Spider mites' life cycle speeds up in warm conditions such as those found in greenhouses. Check your plants often and make sure to remove dead leaves and other plant parts, which will help to eliminate hiding places for the mites. Be sure to check plant conditions and make sure that plants have the correct amount of light, water, temperature, fertilizer and humidity. Having the right balance of these conditions will help to reduce future pest problems.
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