Spider Mite Eradication: Confirming Elimination and Safe Treatments

Nwe Lay asked how to confirm spider mites gone after bad attack. Expert: continue weekly spraying until new growth healthy. Isolate plant to prevent reinfestation.

Follow-up: Daily mild soap spray ineffective; can't use miticides indoors. Expert: Kelthane effective but few miticides work. Bag plant + pot in plastic, spray miticide, seal days. Repeat in 2 weeks. Safer's insecticidal soap (contact) every 2–3 days for 2 weeks—formulated to suffocate mites, less toxic, repeat for hatching young. Mist daily after control—low humidity (AC) favors mites.

Follow-up: Leaves floppy after insecticidal soap. Expert: if directions followed, soap shouldn't cause droop (plant oils). Suspect root problem—check roots, repot if needed. Floppy leaves from root loss will drop; regrow. Less likely: calcium/magnesium deficiency—Dyna-Gro "Protek" can rebuild structure if roots healthy.