How to Get Rid of Spider Mites During the Flower Stage

Spider mites are a common affliction in many gardens, but sometimes the cure is worse than the infestation when you try to save your plants. This is especially true when the plants have their seasonal blooms. The blooms are delicate and highly susceptible to damage from harsh pesticides. Use natural deterrents such as orange oil to chase the mites off without damaging your plants. Orange oil sucks the moisture out of the spider mites, killing them. The strong smell is pleasant to humans, but it serves as a warning to insects.

Cotton swabs
Orange oil

Instructions

- 1
  Move your infected plants to an isolated location. This allows you to eradicate the spider mites without having them spread to new plants. Do not move the plants back until you are sure they are spider mite-free.
- 2
  Soak cotton balls in essential orange oil. Don’t worry if you get the oils on your hands -- it’s harmless to humans who don’t have an orange allergy.
- 3
  Swab the leaves of the plant with the orange oil. Avoid the petals of the flowers or the orange oil may cause them to curl and wane prematurely.
- 4
  Wipe the swabs right over the areas infested with spider mites. The orange oil will kill them and prevent more from taking up residence on your plant.
- 5
  Dig small holes around the base of the plant. Bury the cotton balls in the soil. The lingering smell serves as a stern warning for future spider mites.

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