Safe Spider Mite Treatment: Soap, Oil, and Persistence

Eradicating Spider Mites Without Harsh Chemicals

Sue has fine webbing on houseplants, indicating spider mites.

Treatment Options

• Plain soap and water
• Insecticidal soap
• Hot Pepper Wax

All require 100% coverage of all leaf/stem surfaces (top and bottom). Missed mites reproduce in weeks. Spray in shower/outdoors for thorough drenching. Re-spray in 5 days. Wear gloves.

Prevention & Biology

• Inspect mite-prone plants (palms) weekly—look for "dust" on leaf undersides.
• Quarantine and spray new/outdoor plants.
• Keep plants healthy—stress attracts mites.
• Mites thrive 85–90 °F; go dormant in cool/short days. Nitrogen fertilizer encourages tender growth mites love.