View Full Version : I need to kill some bugs!!
natej740
08-08-2010, 10:00 PM
I have an infestation of spider mites and mealy bugs on a few bananas. What is the best and fastest way to kill these little !@#$%&* before they kill my plants or make them lose all their leaves? I would prefer something that i could get at Lowe's. Thanks for any help.
Nate
Richard
08-08-2010, 11:17 PM
Spider mite outbreaks are typically due to over-application of insecticides that kill spider mite predators, or simply an indoor environment that lacks them.
You need a miticide, such as Orthene. At Lowes it is slim pickings, however this product is listed as containing a miticide: Garden Safe 24 Oz. Ready-to-Use Fungicide 3.
sandy0225
08-09-2010, 02:19 PM
You can't get this at lowe's but you probably already have it. For the mealybugs, dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe them off. Repeat with any stragglers you see in a week or two.
The spider mites, mix together 1T cooking oil and 1T suave shampoo (I like coconut) in a gallon of water. Shake well and spray the top and bottom of the leaves to the point of runoff. Don't do this in the sun or on a sunny day. If they're planted outdoors, do this at the evening so it has all night to soak in and dry out. If potted, move into shade or do this at evening if they are outside and in the morning if they're inside.
LilRaverBoi
08-09-2010, 03:39 PM
Yeah, for mealy bugs, I use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. I also use Sandy's spider mite treatment she listed.
natej740
08-16-2010, 01:03 PM
I ended up getting some insecticidal soap from Lowe's. Thanks for the tip about the Fungicide3. I would have bought it first but i didnt see it in the mix of stuff, they do sell it at lowe's walmart and menards and its only around $5. Has anyone had luck killing mites and mealy bugs with the insecticidal soap?
sandy0225
08-16-2010, 02:26 PM
I've had luck killing spider mites with insecticidal soap. It doesn't smell as good as suave though...lol... make sure after you spray it, in a few days rinse your plants off with a good spray of water to kill any dead spider mites clinging to the plants. Otherwise you'll see them in a few weeks and think you have new ones again and try to kill the same ones again.
LilRaverBoi
08-18-2010, 01:30 PM
...to kill any dead spider mites
Wow, Sandy, you must REALLY hate them if you kill them twice! I have to say, though....I'm with ya on that regard! I hate spider mites a TON!
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