How to Treat House Plants With Spider Mites

Check your house plants for evidence of spider mite infestations at least every time you water, particularly during the warmer months of the growing season. Inspect all leaf surfaces carefully and look for small yellow or brown spots, speckling or mottling. Examine the plant for the presence of tiny spider webs and honeydew, which looks like shiny little patches of stick slime. You're not likely to be able to see the creatures themselves without a magnifying glass because they're so tiny, but you'll notice the damage that they've inflicted.

Hold a sheet of white paper under a suspicious looking branch of your house plant. Tap the stem firmly but gently. This will dislodge any spider mites, and they'll fall onto the paper and begin moving around. Spider mites resemble little black grains of pepper.

Take the infested houseplant outside early in the morning on a warm, sunny day. Spray it thoroughly with the garden hose. This will dislodge a significant number of spider mites.

Prepare an insecticidal soap solution according to manufacturer's recommendations. Spray the solution to coat all surfaces of the house plant generously. Rinse it thoroughly with the garden hose. Follow the instructions carefully.

Repeat the procedure once weekly until you no longer find spider mites on your house plant.

Clean your houseplants once monthly throughout the year to eliminate dust accumulations that invite spider mite infestations. Use a dampened sponge or soft cloth to wipe all surfaces of large-leafed plants. For plants with small leaves, fill a tub with tepid water and add about ½ teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid per quart of water. Cover the soil with a layer of aluminum foil, turn the houseplant upside down and run the foliage through the soapy water. Rinse with a fine spray or mist from the garden hose.

Apply horticultural oil after the plant has dried thoroughly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Remove and destroy any house plant that is so heavily laden with spider mites that you're unable to gain control of the infestation.