How to get rid of spider mites for good?
Need an effective treatment against spider mites ? Here's our step-by-step guide to eliminate them without toxic products in indoor plants or small greenhouses.
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You will need :
•Scissors / Pruners
•Plastic bags
•Black soap
•Sprayer
Natural predators :
•Phytoseiulus persimilis
•Californicus sachets (optional)
You will need :
•Scissors / Pruners
•Plastic bags
•Black soap
•Sprayer
Natural predators :
•Phytoseiulus persimilis
•Californicus sachets (optional)
Preparation
Cut off damaged leaves
Damaged leaves usually harbor spider mites. If possible, cut them off.
Remove debris
Remove dead leaves and other debris that may interfere with the treatment.
Wrap the pot
Wrap the pot in a plastic bag to protect the root ball during the treatment.
Cleaning
(Normal)
Prepare a work space
Prepare a work space that can get wet; ideally outside, in the sink or in the bathtub.
Adjust the water
Use the strongest stream of water possible without damaging the plant. (hose, faucet, shower head, etc.).
Wash the leaves and stems
Generously spray all leaves and stems, paying close attention to the underside of the leaves. Cover all angles in several passes.
Cleaning
(Non-washable plants)
Prepare the sprayer
Prepare a sprayer of black soap solution. Dissolve five tablespoons per liter of warm water.
Spray the plant
Spray generously until the entire plant is saturated. Pay close attention to the underside of the leaves.
Drying
Let the plant dry
Wait for the leaves to be completely dry before introducing predators.
First introduction
Introduce the bulk persimilis
Distribute the bulk persimilis in infested plants using small containers.
Introduce the californicus sachets
(optional)Install the californicus sachets in non-infested plants.
Second introduction
Repeat the introduction
Wait three weeks and repeat the same introduction.
Monitoring and prevention
Monitor
Monitor for at least eight weeks. If new signs of spider mites appear, do another cleaning.
Prevent
Once the spider mites are eradicated, continue monitoring. Ideally, keep using californicus sachets to prevent reinfestation.
Preparation
Cut off damaged leaves
Damaged leaves and flowers usually harbor spider mites. If possible, cut them off.
Remove debris
Remove dead leaves and other debris that may interfere with the treatment.
Wrap the pot
If treating a potted plant, wrap the pot in a plastic bag to protect the root ball during treatment.
Cleaning
(Normal)
Prepare a work space
Prepare a work space that can get wet; ideally outside, in the sink or in the bathtub.
Adjust the water
Use the strongest stream of water possible without damaging the plant. (hose, faucet, shower head, etc.).
Wash the leaves and stems
Generously spray all leaves and stems, paying close attention to the underside of the leaves. Cover all angles in several passes.
Cleaning
(Non-washable plants)
Prepare the sprayer
Prepare a sprayer of black soap solution. Dissolve five tablespoons per liter of warm water.
Spray the plant
Spray generously until the entire plant is saturated. Pay close attention to the underside of the leaves.
Drying
Let the plant dry
Wait for the leaves to be completely dry before introducing predators.
First introduction
Introduce the bulk persimilis
Distribute the bulk persimilis in infested plants using small containers.
Introduce the californicus sachets
(optional)Install the californicus sachets in non-infested plants.
Second introduction
Repeat the introduction
Wait three weeks and repeat the same introduction.
Monitoring and prevention
Monitor
Monitor for at least eight weeks. If new signs of spider mites appear, do another cleaning.
Prevent
Once the spider mites are eradicated, continue monitoring. Ideally, keep using californicus sachets to prevent reinfestation.
Predators
What quantity of californicus sachets do I need ?
Use one sachet per single plant, per shelf, or per square meter of grouped plants. To calculate order quantities, click here
What quantity of persimilis do I need ?
Use approximately half a teaspoon (20 individuals) for an average plant in an 8-inch pot. To calculate order quantities, click here.
How do I introduce the natural predators ?
The usage instructions may vary by product. Consult the product page for details.
Treatment
Should I increase the ambiant humidity?
A humidity level above 50% can slow down the proliferation of spider mites. However, this factor alone is generally not sufficient to eradicate the infestation.
Should I replace my plant's substrate?
Eggs, nymphs and adult spider mites remain on the foliage. It is therefore unnecessary to change the plant's substrate.
What should I do if my plants cannot be cleaned?
If you cannot clean with water or black soap, it will be harder to treat your spider mites. As a last resort, you can double the quantity and frequency of predator introductions.
What should I do if I still have spider mites after this treatment?
Spider mites remaining in all the plants are a sign of insufficient cleaning. On the other hand, if spider mites only persist on certain plants, consider discarding the problem plants or cleaning them every seven days.