Using a 16 ounce water spray bottle, combine 12 ounces of water, 4 ounces of 92% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol and 2 tablespoons of Dawn Dish Detergent. You can use other dish detergents, if you do not have Dawn, but we find that the classic, blue Dawn is the best.
If a treatment for mites is necessary, use selective materials, preferably insecticidal soap or insecticidal oil. Both petroleum-based horticultural oils and plant-based oils such as neem, canola, or cottonseed oils are acceptable.
For the best insecticides that instantly kill spider mites on contact: two DIY options are rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap and two store-bought options (both available in New Zealand), that I've used are Enspray 99 or BioNeem. A quick word of caution when it comes to neem oil products however.
Step 2: How to Treat Spider Mites on Lucky Bamboo
This works for mild infestations. This is effective also: Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (white vinegar is fine too) with 1 cup of water, 1 t of baking soda & a few drops of mild dish soap into a spray bottle.
Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water that is at least 130 F (54.4 C) to kill dust mites and remove allergens.
Types of systemic insecticide for spider mites
217C kills spider mites, broad mites, russet mites and their eggs.
Water plants with one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water. You can also put some in a spray bottle to spritz the areas on the leaves with bugs. My plants have never been happier. This is also great for fungus growing in/on your soil.
A variety of commercial chemical pesticides will kill spider mite infestations, including malathion, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, and kelthane. These should be reserved for very serious infestations of important plants, and only where other methods have failed.
But scientific evidence reveals that most soil already has more than enough magnesium for plants, and there is no proof that Epsom salt battles insects or other problems. In fact, applying it when it's not needed can actually hurt your plants.
Step 2: Put plants into the water and soak them – To kill any bugs on houseplants, soak the whole plant, pot and all, in the tub of water for about 15-20 minutes. The soapy water will kill any bugs that are on the plant or in the soil.
Common insect predators of pest mites include bigeyed bugs, brown lacewings, dustywings, green lacewings, minute pirate bugs, mite midges, the spider mite destroyer lady beetle (ladybug), spider mite rove beetle, and sixspotted thrips.
Using Home Remedies to Kill Spider Mite Populations
A step-by-step procedure on making spider mites spray with a Dawn recipe includes: Add three tablespoons of Dawn dish soap to a gallon of water. Pluck out all the leaves with severe spider mite damage due to infestation.
Likewise, you can help repel spider mites by planting cilantro and dill, two herbs they dislike. Keep your garden and nearby areas weed-free.
Neem oil, dish soap, and water solution
Neem oil is a versatile natural pest repellent and is particularly effective against spider mites. To use, I mix a neem oil with water and dish soap which acts as an emulsifier.
If you're spraying or watering the soil for fungus, eggs or larvae, be certain you really soak the soil. If you have any of these problems, you can use hydrogen peroxide on your plants once a week.
Alcohol kills the spider mites and helps you wipe away webs to wipe out as much of the population as possible. Alcohol can, however, be harsh on plants as well.
Peppermint, neem, and rosemary are all toxic to spider mites but safe for humans. Mix 1 tablespoon liquid peppermint soap, 1 teaspoon neem oil, and 1 teaspoon rosemary essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the leaves of your infected plants once a day until the infestation is gone.
Permethrin cream.
Permethrin is a skin cream with chemicals that kill mites that cause scabies and their eggs. It's generally considered safe for adults, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children over 2 months old.
Plants with mite damage limited to a few leaves will usually recover without special care.
Reduce Humidity: Dust mites hate dry air. Utilize dehumidifiers to maintain an environment where they cannot thrive.
Does vinegar or baking soda kill dust mites? Although baking soda and vinegar can help remove mattress odors, neither can kill dust mites. Baking soda may help absorb moisture from a mattress if you want to sprinkle some on before vacuuming, however.
Essential Oils
Combine Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint or Rosemary oil with water in a spray bottle and spray your bed, linens, and other furniture lightly with a fine mist. Once this mixture air dries, the scent should repel dust mites.