Monday, January 23, 2012

Spider Mites?

What is a good homemade remedy or store bought product to eliminate these specks of nothing all over my porch? Will they damage my plants,that I would like to put out there? All help appreciated!

Spider Mites?
Homemade remedies for Spider Mite control:

"A very good natural remedy is an oil/soap treatment. Dr. Martin Motes recommends using a light oil--such as vegetable oil. Olive oil is very heavy and could potentially damage plants. Using 2 TBS oil/gallon is sufficient, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda for a bit of antifungal. Remember to keep shaking the solution in the container to keep the oil mixed with the water. Spray thoroughly on all sides of the leaves." (http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/orchi...





I prefer to use DE (diatomaceous earth-available at Lowe's) for a non-chemical approach. I got a little ketchup type squirt bottle from the dollar store, and put the DE in it. Then I just poof it onto the bottoms of the leaves of affected plants. It's harmless to humans and animals, so even if you are steadily harvesting, you can still use it.



Also, Neem Oil (from Lowe's): To use mix 1 tsp of neem oil and ? tsp of liquid dish soap to 1 quart of water, or 4 tsp of neem oil and 2 tsp of liquid dish soap to 1 gallon of water. Shake well. (Neem oil mixes easier with warm water.) Spray the diluted solution generously on all leaf surfaces.
Reply:I agree with Lew. Sevin is the best for every bug and problem there is. I just started using it a couple years ago. It's easy and effective. Why bother with all that mixing crap? This way you know the mixture is correct and it works. It has killed bugs that I couldn't even identify.
Reply:(sevin) dust will work and is safe to use,and yes they will hurt your plants.


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