How to Kill Spider Mites With Peroxide

Spider mites are small insects, less than 1mm in length, that live on the underside of plant leaves. Since spider mites thrive and mate in hot and dry conditions, they often live on major household plants, such as topiaries and Ficus Trees. When not controlled properly spider mites will eat and kill plants. Most chemicals are ineffective at terminating spider mites and can even exacerbate the problem. Spider mites have also become resistant to some pesticides. Peroxide has been proven to kill spider mites, but it mused be used carefully and in moderation in order not to kill the plant.

Mild Detergent
Cloth
Measuring cup
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Place a blank white piece of paper under a single a plant, and tap the plant lightly. If your plant is infested with spider mites you will be able to see them moving on the piece of paper. If after this test you are still uncertain, use a microscope to examine both the plant and the piece of paper.
- 2
  Isolate the most heavily infested leaves, cut them off at the root and dispose of them outside the house.
- 3
  Use a mild detergent to wash down the leaves. Using a ratio of 1/10 detergent to warm water, gently clean the leaves.
- 4
  Dilute the peroxide with water. If you are using 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, add 1/4 cup to a quart of water. If you are using 35 percent hydrogen peroxide, add 1 tsp to a quart of water.
- 5
  Pour the diluted peroxide into a spray bottle, and spray directly onto the plant leaves.
- 6
  Repeat the application 10 days later. Peroxide does not work on mite eggs, so it is essential to repeat the application.

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