View Full Version : Battling spider mites on my banana plant
tmc2009
03-12-2012, 06:25 PM
I brought this banana plant outside to tackle the spider mites that were starting to overwhelm the plant. I basically power sprayed them off. I trying to hold off on using chemicals for now. Maybe just being outside will reduce them also.
Here's a video Spider mites on a banana plant - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSDPlqa-5pA)
Neem oil, insecticidal soap, imidicloprid (in Bayer products) should all work. The Bayer stuff is more long lasting, though.
This will make quick work of mites & aphids:
http://www.bananas.org/f313/home-brew-inscetiscide-tobacco-13583.html
Even if you don't grow your own tobacco, a couple el-cheapo cigars will be enough to brew at least a gallon of bug spray.
dries666
03-17-2012, 05:44 PM
I also had lots of trouble with my nana getting overwelmed by spider mites, every year.... and this year i tried something i never thought would work so well . I just sprayed the leaves wet, top and bottom sides, at least once or 2 times a day, and after 1,5-2 weeks none of the spider mites ever returned later this winter! (even without the spraying afterwards)
tmc2009
03-17-2012, 06:38 PM
Hi, Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a try. I guess you can't get any more organic than that, unless you sprayed them with spring water. I was a little apprehensive about using any pesticides. They just live an ideal life when they are inside for the winter.
natej740
03-18-2012, 12:05 AM
Sandy has a good method...to make a spray bottle worth you put about a table spoon of olive oil and suave shampoo and fill with water and spray your plants...mites hate it
HoaNui
03-18-2012, 03:31 PM
High humidity will deter the buggers from taking up residency if the plants are in a suitable place.
mksmth
04-19-2012, 01:54 PM
When my citrus and other plants get spider mites and are outside I use a mix of 1 cup Fish Emulsion and 1 gallon of water. Then spray on the plants. It stinks a little but a lot of other citrus growers I know do the same with good results.
mike
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