Gardening organically can be a challenge at times, especially when it comes to pests. Many avid organic gardeners want to stick to their all-natural beliefs, but are often tempted by a quick-fix chemical treatment for pests. Spider mites, for example, are a number one priority to be removed from your garden immediately upon recognition of an infestation. They often grow so quickly that by the time the infestation has been noted, the damage is far further than you would like. Though you may be quick to jump to a chemical solution, there are ways to control spider mites organically and naturally.
Isolate Infected Plants
If you are able to, immediately move the infected plants away from any healthy ones. Keep those that are infected clustered together. Since spider mites are notorious for using air currents to transport them to different feeding grounds, it is important that they are contained in an area in which they cannot easily jump to a healthy plant for feeding. Keeping the infected plants clustered will also help them retain moisture, which is something spider mites hate. Since spider mites rely on evaporative properties of dry air, they are not able to reproduce in moister environments.
Retain Humidity and Moisture
As stated before, spider mites cannot thrive in moist environments. Therefore adding moisture and aiding in retaining that plus humidity will help limit the reproduction and ability to feed of your spider mites. To do this, simply place your potted plants on plates or platters to help from any moisture leaking out from the bottom. You can also fill gaps in the soil with peat moss. If you are able to bring your plants in doors, this will aide in keeping them moist and humid. Mist your plants thoroughly at least two to three times per day. This can be done with outdoor plants as well. Be sure to only spray enough to drown the spider mites, but not your plants. For plants that you are able to take indoors, a cool mist humidifier works well to keep the humidity up.
Limit Late Afternoon Sun Exposure
Spider mites love the afternoon sun. If you are able to remove your plants fully from the sun and place them in well-shaded areas, you can limit the cozy environment you are providing for your spider mites. The best place to place your plants is indoors.
Spider Mite Treatments
If you are unable to rid your plants of spider mites even after you have increased moisture and limited sun exposure, then the next step is a treatment. This does not mean you have to use chemically-infused treatments, though. There are still many natural remedies that can be used first.
•Rubbing Alcohol – A simple compound of 1:1 rubbing alcohol to water can be effective against spider mites. Simply mix this solution in a spray bottle and apply to your infected plants up to twice a day. Rubbing alcohol is deadly to insects, but relatively safe to plants since it dries quickly and without leaving a residue. Be sure to spray your solution on the bottom of the leaves where spider mites tend to reside, but also cover the entire plant to ensure you catch any stragglers.
•Lady Bug Exposure – Another popular method for ridding your plants of spider mites is the use of lady bugs. Lady bugs are natural predators of spider mites and can easily rid your plant life of this pest in less than 24 hours. Purchase lady bugs from your local gardening supplier and carefully lay them on your infected plants to feed.
•Lemon Water – A solution of 2 parts lemon to 3 part water can work just as well at removing spider mites. The natural acidic properties in lemon juice will deter spider mites from reproducing or feasting on the particular leaves sprayed with this solution.
Related posts:
- Organic Gardening Tips for New Gardeners Organic gardening has been growing in popularity over the past...
- What Is Organic Gardening? Everybody knows that organic food is better for you, but...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.