How to Get Rid of Spider Mites

Spider mites are common and difficult houseplant pests that reproduce quickly, so early identification and action are essential. Key signs of infestation include fine webbing, usually under leaves, and stippled or browning foliage.

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites on Houseplants

Spider mites are one of the most common and challenging houseplant pests to eliminate. These tiny creatures reproduce quickly, making early identification and treatment critical to controlling an infestation.

Identifying Spider Mites

The first sign of spider mites is often their fine webbing, which looks like cobwebs and usually appears on the undersides of leaves. As the infestation grows, the webbing can spread to the tops of leaves and stems. Spider mites also cause a stippled appearance on leaves, as if they’ve been pricked with tiny needles, as they feed. Over time, infested leaves may turn brown, dry, and eventually fall off.

Fighting Spider Mites: Step-by-Step 

Control Growing Conditions
Spider mites thrive in warm, dry environments and spread rapidly under these conditions—especially in winter. By increasing humidity around your plants and keeping temperatures cooler, you can slow their reproduction and make it easier to control the infestation.

Isolation and Pruning
If you spot spider mites on a plant, isolate it immediately to prevent the mites from spreading to others. For severe infestations, prune off heavily infested leaves or stems and dispose of them away from your other plants.

Regularly Wash Your Plants
Using a soft, moist cloth wipe off your plants weekly, focusing on the undersides of leaves where spider mites tend to hide. Use room-temperature water to dislodge some of the mites and create a more humid environment, which they dislike.

Spray Your Plants with Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soap
Spraying plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap can be effective against spider mites. Be sure to cover all surfaces, especially the leaf undersides. Spider mites reproduce quickly, so apply treatments consistently—every 5-10 days for at least a month, or as directed on the product label. Alternating between neem oil and insecticidal soap can prevent mites from building resistance.

Try a Rubbing Alcohol Solution
Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) with 3 parts water and apply to infested leaves with a cotton swab. Alcohol can kill mites on contact but it can also damage plant matter so touch the critter not the plant.

Introduce Beneficial Insects
If you don’t mind having “good bugs” around, predatory mites, ladybugs, and lacewing larvae can naturally help control spider mites. Release these beneficial insects after an initial knockdown of the infestation (such as after washing or spraying) to maximize their effectiveness. They won’t harm your plants or other beneficial insects and will feed on spider mites.

Avoid Over-Fertilization
Spider mites are attracted to lush, soft growth often caused by excessive nitrogen fertilization. Avoid over-fertilizing to make your plant less appealing to spider mites.

Clean Surrounding Areas
Spider mites can linger on pots, plant shelves, and nearby surfaces. Wipe down these areas regularly to prevent reinfestation.

Rotate Treatment Methods
Spider mites can develop resistance to certain treatments over time. Rotating between neem oil, insecticidal soap, and rubbing alcohol solutions will help keep them from becoming resistant.

Key Points for Quick Reference

• Control Conditions: Lower temperatures and increase humidity to slow mite reproduction.
• Wash Weekly: Rinse leaves, especially the undersides, to dislodge mites.
• Apply Treatments Regularly: Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or rubbing alcohol every 5-10 days.
• Use Beneficial Insects: Predatory mites or ladybugs are effective for natural control.
• Prune and Isolate: Remove infested leaves and isolate the affected plant to limit spreading.

This well-rounded approach should help you effectively manage and prevent spider mite infestations, keeping your houseplants healthy and pest-free.