Treating Spider Mites on Jasmine with Soap Spray

Treating Spider Mites on Jasmine with Soap Spray

A reader's jasmine has fine webbing at leaf bases and stems, leaf drop, and recurring infestations despite commercial sprays. They want a homemade soap spray recipe.

Diagnosis & Solution

Pest: Spider mites (common on jasmine).

Treatment: Mix liquid dish soap and water as for dishes. Two application methods:

1. Spray: Thoroughly wet all leaf and stem surfaces until dripping.
2. Dunk: Invert pot and swish foliage in a sink of soapy water for 30 seconds.

Key: Complete coverage is critical—mites are tiny (dozens fit on a pinhead). Repeat in one week. Monitor weekly; treat immediately upon reappearance. Mites often look like dust on leaf undersides.

This non-toxic method is effective with diligence.