Spider mites are tiny pests, hard to see with the naked eye, that can cause serious damage to your lawn and garden. If you suspect a mite infestation, you should confirm your theory before attempting to eliminate them. Once you are sure they are on your plants, you can flush them out with the water pump or use an insecticidal mineral oil to remove and prevent more serious infestations.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Notice the Signs of the Mite Presence
Step 1. Look for yellow or brown spots on plant leaves
Spider mites weaken plants and often cause these colored dots to appear on the leaves. You may also notice that the leaves dry out and detach from the plant.
Step 2. Check for cobwebs on the plant
Mites leave webs under the leaves and branches of plants. Look at the garden every day in search of these canvases.
Step 3. Look for mites with a magnifying glass
Since these parasites are smaller than 1mm, it is not easy to see them with the naked eye. Buy a magnifying glass online or in a supermarket and examine the leaves of the plants. If you see dots moving on the leaves, it is likely that they are mites.
Step 4. Shake the leaves of the plant on a piece of white paper
If you don't have a magnifying glass, you can look for mites on paper. Hold the paper under the leaves, then shake them. If you see green, brown, or black dots starting to move on the surface of the paper, the plant has mites.
You can also crush parasites with your fingers. If they leave a green trail, they are plant-feeding mites. If the color of the liquid is orange or yellow, it is likely beneficial predators
Part 2 of 4: Get Rid of Mites with Water
Step 1. Isolate affected plants
If you notice the mites and want to minimize the damage to your garden, it is best to separate the infested specimens. Move them to a different spot in the garden or place them indoors before trying to get rid of the pests.
Step 2. Spray the plants with the water pump
The pump jet is strong enough to kill the mites. Point it at the plant and sprinkle cold water on the leaves. Remember to wet the underside of the leaves as well, to get rid of all pests.
Step 3. Repeat this once a week
Keep infested plants isolated for at least a month so the mites can't spread to the rest of the garden. The pump jet isn't strong enough to destroy the eggs, so spraying the plant once a week for a month will ensure you get rid of any newly hatched pests.
Part 3 of 4: Using Insecticidal Mineral Oils
Step 1. Dilute insecticide mineral oil in a spray bottle with lukewarm water
These oils are capable of suffocating insects and their eggs. You can buy them online or in garden stores. Before diluting the oil, be sure to read the product instructions, so you know how much water you need to use and if you can apply it to your plants.
- Use white oil in the summer.
- Use winter oil in the fall and spring.
Step 2. Move the infested plants to the garage or shed
The action of the oil can be affected by rain or high humidity, so move your plants indoors to prevent these problems. Do not use the oil on maples, walnut trees, cypresses or spruces, and read the instructions to make sure it is safe to use on your plants.
Step 3. Spray the oil well on the plant
Since water and oil separate, it is important to shake the bottle regularly as you use it. Cover the top and bottom of the leaves entirely with oil. Let the product act, which will kill the mites and their eggs.
- The oil works by suffocating the mites, so it is important to completely cover the surface of the leaves.
- Do not use oils on flowers, as this could damage them.
Step 4. Spray the oil every 2-3 weeks until you have completely eliminated the mites
Periodically check for the presence of these parasites in the days following treatment. If you notice that the infestation is still present, apply the oil again.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Mite Infestations
Step 1. Prune the infested parts of the plant
If you notice any webs on the branches or in some places on the leaves, you should cut those sections with shears. Throw away the infested parts in the trash.
If you throw away the infested parts of the plant near your garden, you could spread the mites to other healthy plants
Step 2. Wet the plants with cold water
Moisture keeps the mites away from the plants. Moving them around the house and bathing them 2-3 times a day will reduce the likelihood of an infestation. You can also place them over a saucer filled with water to keep these pests away.
Step 3. Place a humidifier near the plants
Mites thrive in dry conditions, so a humidifier keeps them away. However, don't use it if you have applied mineral oil.
