Q&A for How to Get Rid of Spider Mites

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Is neem oil or rosemary oil better to use on plants I will want to consume?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

Neem oil can cause eye end skin irritation. Rosemary oil is safe to consume.

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Question

Can I use a solution of soap and warm water in a spray bottle because spider mites have gotten on my new baby sprout?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

Yes, soap and warm water is an effective way to get rid of spider mites. Spray your baby plants every 6 days until you no longer see mites on them.

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Question

Will spider mites survive cold temperatures?

Community Answer

Yes. They go dormant during the winter and find areas of the outside plant to survive in, such as small crevices.

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How do I clean flower pots that were infested with spider mites last year?

Community Answer

Soak pots in a bleach solution to kill any bacteria and insects/eggs. Let the pots dry out completely then rinse several times. Let dry again and rinse again to remove all bleach and residue left.

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What if they are orange?

Community Answer

Reddish-orange mites are spider mites.

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Question

Is it safe to spray the infected outdoor food plants with a 50% water/bleach solution? Will it harm the plants? Can it still be eaten afterward?

Community Answer

No, bleach will kill your plants and contaminate your food.

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Will a mild solution of white vinegar be effective?

Community Answer

White vinegar will kill all vegetation for a short time. It is normally used to control dandelions and other weeds, not insects.

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Question

I find webs from spider mites on my plants and get them off with my finger. Is this a good idea?

Community Answer

No, once you scare the mites they will populate quickly and cocoon the plants they are on. You need to do a sneak attack for best results.

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Is a mix of one cup of cooking oil and one tablespoon of Dawn dish washing soap effective against spider mites?

Community Answer

No. Instead, spray the plant with Listerine. Make sure you soak the leaves underneath too.

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Question

If rosemary oil is effective against spider mites, would a strongly brewed rosemary tea work equally well?

Community Answer

No. Rosemary tea is not nearly as potent as rosemary oil. It may have a little effect, but not enough to be worth the time.

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What if the spider mites are more active in the soil? What is the best way to get rid of the ones in the soil?

Community Answer

If they are not feeding on your plant, they could possibly be predatory mites instead. They are bigger in size and actually are beneficial, as they will kill spider mites.

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What are Italian seasonings?

Community Answer

They're a mix of spices (oregano, basil, etc.) you can usually purchase at any grocery store. They are labeled "Italian Seasoning."

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Question

Will Diatomaceous earth hurt spider mites?

Community Answer

It can, the problem is you have to get it on them. Diatomaceous Earth works by dehydrating the insects it comes in contact with. You could rub it all over the plant and that would help, but the plants would be covered in white power.

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Which organic treatment can I use on my milkweed that will not harm Monarch caterpillars?

Community Answer

I was very happy using the predator mite Phytoseiulus persimilis to eliminate spider mites. The spider mites were detected late and the infestation was significant. While I don't know about possible harm to caterpillars, I seem to remember the predator mites only eat spider mites. It took about a week and once they got them all, the predator mites died off. 100% satisfaction with the speed and targeted effectiveness of the predator mites. $20-40, one week and ZERO chemicals.

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Question

Can humans get spider mites?

Community Answer

Yes, they can attach to humans. It's best to wash up and change clothes after dealing with infested plants.

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Question

How often and when should a person spray for spider mites with a 2,4-D low volatile ester?

Community Answer

2,4-D is intended for killing weeds, and when used on susceptible weeds it does a great job. However, it is not intended as an insecticide; I would recommend you try some of the other suggestions, such as warm soapy water, first.

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Do spider mites live indoors?

Community Answer

Yes, spider mites do live indoors.

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Question

How can you tell the difference between spider mites and predatory mites?

Community Answer

Spider mites don't eat other insects. They drink the sap and consume your plants. Predatory mites are exactly what they sound like: predators of other insects. A good predator of spider mites are lady bug larva.

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Question

I have no plants in the house or outside, yet these mites are on my window sills and window tracks. Why? What can I use?

Community Answer

There are many different mites. Your problem may be a pollen mite, so named because it eats pollen. They will literally cover the exterior surface of a building and migrate inside through cracks in the building, even through window seals. Pollen mites are larger than spider mites and easily visible to the naked eye. When one is squished, it will leave a red-brown stain on the surface of your window sill. Migration inside is particularly prevalent during and after pollen seasons. If you have pollen mites, caulk the window and any cracks in the walls. Then look for openings in the interior window frame and spray a pesticide into those openings. Read the labels before using any chemicals.

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Question

Can I use a sulfur burner in the vegetable patch?

Community Answer

No, as the sulphur candle will kill just about anything organic. Remove the plants before lighting up.

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Would lemon water work, since it is acidic?

Community Answer

Yes, lemon water might work. Lime water, onion water, and washing detergent can also do the job.

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Question

I have spider mites on my plants. I have tried rubbing alcohol, dish soap, as well as different concoctions that I've found online. Nothing is working. What else can I do?

Community Answer

Purchase some ladybugs from local nursery/greenhouse. Don't use any insecticides to ensure the ladybugs are allowed time to get rid of the mites.

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Question

What quantity of rosemary oil should I put in a 2 liter home-sprayer to discourage spider mites? Do I need a weeping agent as well?

Community Answer

I've used one teaspoon 5 ml of rosemary to 1 l of water and 20 ml insecticidal soap. This seems to work well.

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Question

How do I organically eliminate spider mites on plants?

Community Answer

This article has several examples of organic ways to get rid of spider mites: How to Get Rid of Red Spider Mites Organically .

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Question

Do spider mites attack indoor palm trees?

Community Answer

Yes, I have them on my palm tree. All the chemicals cost already more than the palm tree itself.

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Question

Should I cut off the stems of my plant if it was attacked by spider mites but still flowering? Should I change the soil or get rid of the mulch?

Community Answer

You should definitely get rid of the soil. I saved a gardenia bush by removing it from its pot, then using my hose on high setting, washed entire plant and root system. The gardenia was in shock for awhile, but recovered in a new pot with fresh soil.

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Will white vinegar kill spider mites?

Community Answer

It might but it will also kill your plants. Avoid using that and try dish soap, it’s much safer for the plants.

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Question

Have the spider mites become resistant to the Neem oil because they keep coming back to my potted angel trumpet?

Community Answer

They are most likely living in the soil. Isopropyl alcohol is the best thing to deal with mites. Alcohol kills them instantly. This still will not get rid of them completely though, as it only takes one bug to keep infestation going. The good thing about potted plants is you can get a 5 gallon bucket and fill it with 50/50 alcohol to water. Use 70% purity alcohol or higher and a few drops of dish soap. Dunk the whole plant for a few minutes and every bug on it will be dead. Do not dunk roots, just whole plant above soil. Place lid on 5 gallon bucket and save to use again when needed.

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Question

How effective is neem oil for spider mites on plants and do I need to use anything else with it?

Community Answer

Neem oil can be very effective, as long as you apply it well and often for a week or so. You do not need much oil to make quite a lot of product. Put 1 teaspoon of neem oil into a large spray bottle with a few drops of dish soap and fill the bottle the rest of the way up with water. Give it a good shake and spray every inch of the plant! Check the plant again every few days and repeat the process if need be.

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