Grog

Does anyone have a spider mite remedy? The leaves on my plants are turning brown and dying as fast as it can produce new ones. I'm afraid I'm going to loose it if this continues.

Taylor

Insecticidal soap works well, dilute the concentrate, then spray on the leaves, both sides.

sandy0225

Insecticidal soap will work but be careful not to do it in full sun or to put the plant in sun right afterwards or you'll burn it up. Avid is a good one, but $$$. I just now got to where I could afford to try it, and it does work good.

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Northern Tropics Greenhouse
1501 East Fuson Road
Muncie, IN 47302
www.northerntropics.com


specializing in bananas, heirloom tomatoes and water gardening plants~
check out our new online store at our website!

Richard

Green Light Fruit Tree Spray.

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buzzwinder

I overwintered my nanners in a three season room in N. Il. using electric heaters ( Expensive ) not rec. Had two bouts with spider mites. 1 Ounce Fish Emulsion per gallon of water took care of them both times, not sure if it smothered them or they just couldn't stand the smell for two days, and ran off to freeze out side. I used a spray bottle and face mask, wife and kids complained but it dissipated after 2 or 3 days, no smell in the house, JUST DON"T OPEN THAT DOOR!!!!!!!! for a few of days.

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Bill for my friend

Chironex

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.

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Scot

mskitty38583

it almost sounds like the chalk i hauled in ga called "fullers earth".

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kimarj

Wow what a great idea the super absorbent is I can use it for them pesky slugs and earwigs too
Thanks

Kim

natedogg1026

I have found that spraying the plant off helps quite a bit. Also take a soft rag or a sponge and rub the whole plant down after you spray it then rinse. Basically a sponge bath for your nana. Also, Orthanex worked for me, if you wanna go drastic. You can get it at Home Depot.

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Chironex

It is similar in that it is a silicate. Diatomaceous earth is actually the fossilized exoskeletons of prehistoric algae. These diatoms are microscopic and extremely sharp to the tiny critters like spider mites, aphids and such. It actually cuts them open when they crawl over it. To us it just looks like "oil dry" or kitty litter.
I am using it for seed germination and keep a sprayer full of the DE water to control any invading bugs/insects that might think about harming my plants. Works like a charm!

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Scot

mskitty38583

thats good to know. thanks for the info. can it be sprayed in the house without harm to humans or animals in liquid form? im thinking about moving my aquarium into the den( extra humididty in the winter time for my nanas) and i hope its not harmful to fish.

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momoese

Diatomaceous earth is also an organic way of killing fleas and anything else that it comes in contact with. It works by dehydrating the bugs over the course of a few days. I use it as part of my organic flea prevention program in conjunction with several other things. I refuse to apply the toxic poisons like Frontline and Advantage to my dogs any longer.

From Wikipedia: Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.

mskitty38583

ok im sold on it!!! thanks yall.

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Richard

Well I agree, Orthonex is pretty extreme and its not for use on fruiting/edible plants. Diatomaceous earth kills insects by slicing them -- on their scale it is like a pile of razors and barbwire fence. It is most effective on soft bodied insects and not on spiders or flying pests that don't contact or lay eggs in the soil -- like leaf miners. Still, it is a good ingredient as part of a pest management plan. I like to apply it on top of my mulch -- esp. since slugs and snails hate it. You'll find it at a big box store in the pool chemical section.

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momoese

Just be careful with it in the house. It's very messy!

mskitty38583

oh so it will fit in with the decor of my house. rotflmao!!!!!!! thanks mitchel. lol.

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momoese

Another form of organic mite control is predator mites. Here is some info.

The Spider Mite Control Info Page

Lard Greystoke

A very cheap method is to dilute some detergent or liquid soap in water, spray on all surfaces of plant. Eliminates surface tension of water, overcoming waterproof covering of bugs' respiratory systems, drowning them. Has no residual effect so you have to keep doing it. Could damage waxy layer covering leaves, causing discoloration.

A warning on diatomaceous earth: it will "slice and dice" the inside of your lungs same as bugs' exoskeletons, so be careful not to inhale.

Chironex

To update this thread for those of us experiencing spider mite invasions, etc. here is a link to a site offering both Neem and D.E. products. They also provide some good information on how to use these effectively.

www.ultrateck.net/files/UTEnglish_Neem.pdf

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Scot

Chironex

Although a prominent doctor has said that it is no more harmful to humans than going down a gravel road, I still suggest the use of a dust mask, especially near asthmatics.

Common sense should always be used, but once wetted, the dust is kept in check.

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Scot