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Stay aware and get rid of Spider mites naturally

Spider Mites Alert: During weather changes, like just before the winter season, it is important to watch out for spider mites. These tiny pests can lay eggs on the upper and lower sides of leaves and growth nodes, posing a common threat to your plants.
Swift action is crucial. Treat affected plants promptly to maintain their health. Don’t let damage take over your precious plants. Take expert advice from the best plant app in India if you are still confused.

What are Spider Mites?
These are the enemies of your Garden, and these tiny pests are capable of completely destroying your Indoor and Outdoor Garden. These are related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions, and they are not genuine insects.

How do they look?
Adults are oval-shaped and reddish brown, and are around the size of a “full stop”. Their immature stages are similar to adults; however, they are smaller.

Suitable Conditions for Spider mites
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry climates, especially when their natural predators have been killed by chemical usage. If your Garden is suffering from a spider mite infestation, then don’t worry; there are several ways by which we can get rid of them naturally.

How to Identify a Spider Mite Infestation?
We must understand what the Infestation looks like and be able to identify the solution. Small yellow or brown patches on the plant leaves indicate infestation; it will suffer from poor health, acquire entirely yellow leaves and eventually stop growing. Spider mite damage can also be identified by spider web-like webbing on the plant. To check for spider mites, place a piece of paper under the leaves and gently shake the leaves. If it’s spider mites, flecks that appear like pepper will fall on the paper.

Diagnosis: Initially, you’ll notice small yellow or brown spots on the leaves, leading to discolouration. Severe infestations can cause leaves to turn completely yellow and stunt growth. You might even spot spider-like webbing on the plant.
Spider mites are tiny, making them hard to see with the naked eye. You may need a magnifying glass or someone’s stronger glasses. To check, hold a piece of paper under the leaves and gently shake them. If they’re infested, tiny specks resembling pepper will fall onto the paper. You might also feel a sticky residue when running your fingers over the leaves.
Important Note: Avoid using regular pesticides as spider mites are often resistant. Using pesticides can harm beneficial insects that eat spider mites, worsening the problem.

How to get rid of Spider Mites Naturally?
The most effective and safe way of getting rid of Spider mites is the natural way. As most Spider mites are immune to the Pesticides, but the insects that prey on Spider mites will die as a result. Therefore, getting rid of spider mites naturally is the best and the safest way to eliminate these stubborn pests.

 

Natural ways of destroying Spider Mites:

  1. Using Spraying Water:

    You can wipe the Spider mites off of your plants with a strong spray of water. Rinse your plants with a hose a few times throughout the season. You must spray at the bottom of leaves, because it is where the spider mites live. Doing this also removes dust from the leaves, which is the favourite place for spider mites to hide in.

  2. Rubbing Alcohol

    Rubbing Alcohol will kill Spider mites. Just soak the cotton balls with rubbing alcohol and wipe the infested houseplant leaves. Then let it rest on the plants for a few hours before you thoroughly rinse the leaves with water. You can also use hand sanitiser.

  3. Neem Oil:

    Neem oil is a universal insect repellent that suffocates spider mites when applied. This is a longer-lasting solution and is used frequently following an insecticidal soap application. Use only as instructed, and keep pets and children out of reach.

  4. Using Predator Bugs:

    Experts advise taking a hands-off approach in outdoor settings by using beneficial insects that prey on them. Ladybugs, predatory mites and lacewings are among them, and they do not harm people, plants, & pets. This might result in getting rid of Spider mites naturally.

  5. Keeping Plants in Check and taking extra precautions:

    Monitoring your Garden for any infestation will allow you to actually prevent it or get effectively rid of the mites in the early stage.

The measures you can take in case of severe infestation are:
You should remove the affected leaves, place them in a sealed plastic bag and dispose in the garbage. Don’t put them in the compost, as this can spread the problem. You might need to remove the entire plant in extreme cases

Note:
You should apply oil treatments, such as Rubbing Alcohol, insecticidal soaps, or chemical pesticides, in the evening. Also, you can move the plants to the side, away from the sun and put them back in the evening. Otherwise, the Leaves may catch fire.

PREVENTION

Prevention is always better than cure. We can take some precautions to make sure that these pests don’t get a chance to attack our plants. The primary thing we must do is regularly monitor our garden and maintain good Hygiene.

  1. Check before you buy:

    You must inspect your Indoor/outdoor plants for any contamination before you buy them.

  2. Make sure plants are Healthy:

    You must water and fertilise your houseplants regularly. Plants that are healthy are better able to endure pests and illnesses. Whereas plants that are weaker or stressed are more prone to issues.

  3. Keep the Air around the plants- humid:

    Spider mites multiply quickly in dry environments, and this is why you must maintain air humidity levels higher near plants.

  4. Clean Every Day:

    Cleaning regularly is extremely important as it helps to make sure pests don’t get extra hiding places. Therefore, you must remove weeds and trash from areas of the garden where pests might hide.

  • Conclusion

    This insect has a quick growth time, especially during warm weather when they lay eggs regularly; therefore, you must take this into account while planning your management strategies. You must always repeat the treatment because if eggs and larvae survive, then simply attacking the adults will be ineffective. Leaf shines and washes aid in the control and prevention of pests. 

  • Make sure when swapping or purchasing plants from others, check for spider mites. Use the Plantohlics app for swaps and selling purposes for free!

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