In this post, we will discuss how to treat plants infested with Tetranychidae, commonly known as spider mites. These tiny, eight-legged arachnids feed on the sap of plants. They are a common pest that can infest indoor and outdoor plants, causing damage to leaves and flowers. They are called spider mites because they spin fine webs, usually on the underside of leaves, which can be one of the first signs of an infestation.
When spider mites feed on plants, they puncture the surface of the leaves with their piercing-sucking mouth parts and suck out the sap, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Heavy infestations can cause the leaves to dry up and fall off, and in severe cases, the entire plant may die. Spider mites can also leave a fine, powdery residue on the leaves, which can be another sign of an infestation.
In addition to the damage caused to the plant, spider mites can also affect the air quality by releasing allergens into the air, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. It is important to take immediate action if you suspect spider mite infestation on your plants to prevent further damage and to improve the air quality.
Urban Gardener Say No To Bugs is a great all-natural option for the treatment of spider mites and other common household pests commonly afflicting house plants. Our formula works wonders to treat insect problems and is an excellent choice for anyone who seeks to use a natural product containing ingredients that are safer for pets, people, and the environment rather than the chemical-based options sold by large consumer product companies. We pride ourselves on providing "No Mix, No Mess” solutions that have been carefully prepared to be ready to use out of the bottle with no additional steps required to get great results every time. Urban Gardener products use a gentle but effective blend of essential oils and organic soaps. The oils of Cedar, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Geranium, and Thyme are all used in conjunction with growers' favorite, Neem, to create a synergetic mix of insect fighting wonder-stuff. Say No To Bugs is the only product on the market that leverages the strengths of this particular blend of oils to create a knockout punch for spider mites and many other common household bugs.Cedar oil is derived from the wood of the cedar tree and has natural insect-repelling properties. When used as a spray, it can effectively kill spider mites and their eggs.
Lemongrass oil is another effective essential oil for controlling spider mites. It works by disrupting the mites' nervous system, causing them to become paralyzed and eventually die. Peppermint oil is also a great natural insecticide that can effectively repel and kill spider mites. Its strong aroma deters the mites from infesting plants and can also help to prevent future infestations. Geranium oil is known for its insect-repelling properties, and it can be used to control spider mites on plants. Thyme oil is another effective essential oil for controlling spider mites. It's similar to peppermint oil, it has a strong aroma that deters the mites from infesting plants and can also help to prevent future infestations. Additionally, we have added a small amount of Neem oil which has been used effectively by generations of natural gardeners to promote plant health and is known to have pesticidal and anti-fungal properties.
Say No To Bugs is designed to be gentle while providing a strong effective solution to infestations. It is safe and effective for use on most varieties of house plants. When using Say No To Bugs or any natural oil-based products, It is advisable to apply a few sprays to your plant's leaves and check back in about a day to make sure there are no adverse effects on your plant. Oils can cause damage to the plant when exposed to direct sunlight or too much heat, so apply in the early morning or evening to avoid leaf damage or “burning".
HOW TO TREAT: To treat spider mites, mist the top and bottom of leaves, stems, and surrounding area, if desired. For best results, create the appearance of dew on the leaves. Wipe off any big drops or pooling, paying special attention to leaf tips. The leaves and stems should be well-covered but not saturated. Follow this foliar application with a good soil drench. Repeat this process every other day until the insect problem has been resolved. Be sure to remove any remaining residue by cleaning and conditioning your leaves after abatement with Urban Gardener Leaf Radiance. Our gentle leaf shine is great for cleaning and adding moisture to leaves after treatment.
In conclusion, natural oils like cedar oil, lemongrass, peppermint oil, geranium oil, and thyme oil are all effective in controlling spider mites on plants. These oils are all included in the Urban Gardener’s Say No To Bugs Formula and may be a great option for treating your spider mite problems. Please reach out to us with any questions about this or any plant wellness issues. Happy Growing!