How to Kill Glasshouse Red Spider Mites

Glasshouse red spider mites have a diverse diet, and they'll devour anything from your poinsettias to your peppers. They go for leaves, though, not for flowers or fruit. You'll notice their presence by the rapid wilt of your leaves, which can lead to plant death or poor harvest. You have two primary choices when dealing with them. You can introduce a predator species, though this approach takes time. Or, you can douse the plant in pesticides.

Predatory mites or midges
Pesticide

Instructions

Predatory Insects
- 1
  Acquire predatory insects. Both predatory mites and midges work. Of the predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis is most effective against glasshouse red spider mites. You can purchase these insects online.
- 2
  Release the predator insects on the affected plant. If multiple plants are affected, then spread them throughout the area.
- 3
  Inspect the plants four weeks later. The spider mites should be gone. If they persist, release another round of predator insects or consider using pesticides.
Pesticides
- 4
  Acquire pesticides containing bifenthrin, thiamethoxam or abamectin. If you would rather not use chemical pesticides, you can use horticultural oil instead. This method is more time-consuming.
- 5
  Spray the affected areas with your pesticide or horticultural oil. Be sure to douse the mites themselves.
- 6
  Return to the plant and apply more pesticides as needed. For more specific instructions, refer to your pesticide's bottle or container.

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Pests, Weeds & Problems

How to Kill Glasshouse Red Spider Mites

Instructions

Predatory Insects

Pesticides