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Chironex · 06-23-2008, 06:39 PM

Here's what I use, 100% organic, no chemicals and 100% effective.
Go to your nearest NAPA Auto Parts store and buy a 25# bag of "Super Absorbent" part no. 8822 for about $10-13.
It is 100% diatomaceous earth. I just scoop about 1/2 cup with a small coffee strainer. Put a funnel in your misting sprayer and set this strainer on top. Pour water through the strainer (enough water to fill the sprayer) and spray it directly onto the plant. Aphids, spider mites and such are gone in 1-2 days. 100% pesticide and chemical free. The diatomaceous earth is made up of tiny crystals that slice and dice the little pests as they crawl on it.
Another great use for this is as a soil-less seed starting medium. It's cheaper than perlite or vermiculite and you won't get any damping off. Plus if you spill some liquid or if your car leaks fluid, you can also use it to absorb the spill.
One word of advice, it is dusty when you open the bag, so do so carefully. If you're asthmatic, wear a dust mask. Keep the sack in your garage and it will last forever. Lots of bonsai books recommend it for bonsai tree soil as well. Oh, and you can also use it as cat litter.

06-23-2008, 06:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
Chironex Dayyyyyyyy-O Chironex's Photo Gallery Location: Las Vegas, NV Find me on the map! Zone: 9 Name: Scot Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,561 BananaBucks : 2,795 Feedback: 7 / 100% Thanks: 2,487 Thanked 478 Times in 318 Posts Welcomes: 294	Re: Spider Mites Here's what I use, 100% organic, no chemicals and 100% effective. Go to your nearest NAPA Auto Parts store and buy a 25# bag of "Super Absorbent" part no. 8822 for about $10-13. It is 100% diatomaceous earth. I just scoop about 1/2 cup with a small coffee strainer. Put a funnel in your misting sprayer and set this strainer on top. Pour water through the strainer (enough water to fill the sprayer) and spray it directly onto the plant. Aphids, spider mites and such are gone in 1-2 days. 100% pesticide and chemical free. The diatomaceous earth is made up of tiny crystals that slice and dice the little pests as they crawl on it. Another great use for this is as a soil-less seed starting medium. It's cheaper than perlite or vermiculite and you won't get any damping off. Plus if you spill some liquid or if your car leaks fluid, you can also use it to absorb the spill. One word of advice, it is dusty when you open the bag, so do so carefully. If you're asthmatic, wear a dust mask. Keep the sack in your garage and it will last forever. Lots of bonsai books recommend it for bonsai tree soil as well. Oh, and you can also use it as cat litter. __________________ Scot "Grow 'em if ya got 'em!"