How To Keep Spider Mites Away From Your Indoor Plants

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Spider mites, especially the most common two-spotted spider mites, are dreaded invaders in the indoor plant world because of the damage they do to hundreds of plant species. These nearly microscopic pests feed in large colonies on sap from foliage, leading to spots and stippling on plants and eventual bronzing or dead leaves. Ultimately, plants may stop growing or die. Webbing around plants signals a full-blown spider-mite infestation of hundreds of mites. Fortunately, several treatments are available for spider-mite eradication, with neem oil being a great choice as a natural solution that kicks spider mites to the curb.

Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and kills adult spider mites and eggs, in part, by smothering them. The most active ingredient in the oil, azadirachtin, repels spider mites, deters them from feeding, and affects their hormones to hinder development and their ability to lay eggs. It seems only fair that neem oil disrupts spider-mite growth since the mites inhibit plant growth.

Inspect your indoor plants regularly so you know if an infestation is afoot and in need of a neem oil treatment. You may want assistance in spotting spider mite eggs on plants before they become a problem, since they typically can't be seen without a microscope. Be sure to follow label instructions when applying neem oil, especially to check whether your plants are sensitive to oils and shouldn't get a neem treatment. Neem oil is most commonly sprayed on plants. You can buy ready-to-use commercial formulas, like BioAdvanced Organics Brand Neem Oil, or you could dilute neem oil in water to roughly 2 to 5% concentration, adding a couple drops of soap to mix it in. Don't use it in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or on stressed plants. You'll want to cover the leaves copiously with the oil because the mites will die only if they come in contact with it. Apply the solution every 1 to 2 weeks to control spider mites on your indoor plants.

Although neem oil is not the only worthwhile treatment, it is one of the best ways to get rid of spider mites. More powerful chemical insecticides may be problematic because they could actually encourage mite reproduction. At the other end of the spectrum, getting rid of spider mites on houseplants with just water can be effective, but if this method doesn't work, neem oil is another cost-effective and safe option. It's also possible to use both treatments as a regular practice, with the neem oil taking care of any mites missed by the water.