Spider mites are one of the most common pests that disturb the growth of your plants. Spider mites suck sap from the leaves, leading to the death of the plants. Fortunately, there are a few measures to follow to kill them. One of them is the use of neem oil. However, does neem oil kill spider mites speedily? Is it safe for use?
This article will examine neem oil as a pesticide, its safety, and how it can kill spider mites properly.
What is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is an extract from the neem tree, Azadirachta indica, from the Meliaceae tree family that grows in Africa and South Asia. The seeds, fruits, and other tree parts are cold-pressed to make this oil. It’s a popular oil among gardeners for killing pests and for those looking for a permanent and best pest control solution. It kills bugs ranging from moths and Japanese beetles to spider mites.
In its concentrated form, neem oil has a pungent, sulfurous smell and thick consistency. It becomes a safe pesticide for plants when appropriately mixed with the necessary water portion and a mild organic emulsifier.
It is an effective natural pesticide for spider mites because it contains a toxin, azadirachtin, which is harmful to insects when swallowed. The chemical compound is similar to the mites’ hormones. It tricks the insect into thinking it’s full, making it starve. It also prevents insects from moving to the next stage in their growth cycle by interfering with the production of growth hormones. Neem oil can also cause infertility in insects preventing them from hatching eggs and spreading their wings. It is very effective for house plants and outdoor plants.
What Are Spider Mites?
Spider mites, known biologically as Tetranychus urticae, are eight-legged insects that consume plants. They are one of the most common plant pests. Their size is usually smaller than a pin head, making them hard to identify. They are similar to ticks and sometimes considered arachnids, that is, in the spider family, rather than insects because they have eight legs. There are different types of spider mites, each occurring in various colors ranging from red, green, brown, or yellow. Some examples include red spider mite, two-spotted spider mite, and many more. If you want to learn more about other mites here are eight common types of mites.
Spider mites cause a lot of damage when they attack plants in immense numbers. They damage by sucking plant sap, causing leaves to dry and wilt. They spread diseases and can also kill houseplants. Common signs of infestation include spots in leaves and yellowing around the edges.
They attack more when the weather is warm. Spider mites also reproduce rapidly, with the females laying a hundred and more eggs at once. In a case like this, a severe infestation can happen in just a few days or weeks.
Does Neem Oil Kill Spider Mites Effectively?
Neem oil is highly potent and is a natural pesticide that is easy to apply. It doesn’t kill beneficial insects or harm plants.
It works by suffocating the larvae and adult spider mites that attach themselves to the plant leaves. When you apply neem oil to leaves infested with spider mites, the oil’s bioactive compound reacts with the mites’ digestive and reproductive systems, killing them.
Neem oil can be made in a spray form for garden plants. For a combined effect, consider mixing it with other pesticides. You can also apply it to plants as an emulsifiable concentrate.
Safety Measures When Using Neem Oil
Neem oil is safe and has a straightforward application. However, you should bear a few things in mind when using it. If you apply neem oil concentrate on planting leaves, they may burn if subjected to direct sunlight. Also, don’t spray early seedlings with neem oil, as it can cause them to burn.
When using, make only a tiny amount you intend to use daily. If neem oil remains for too long, it becomes thick and clumpy, making it difficult to spray or pour.
Benefits of Using Neem Oil To Kill Spider Mites
Below are some benefits of using neem oil to control spider mites in your garden:
- Reduces the need for other pesticides or herbicides: People have used neem oil as a natural herbicide and pesticide for centuries. Therefore, it lowers the purchase rate of others as they all have similar properties.
- It helps prevent weed and pest troubles: applying neem oil to plants assists in withstanding pests and maladies and boosts yields. It also aids in weed control by preventing other wild plants from growing.
- It is safe: Neem oil is not toxic to animals and humans. It is also environmentally friendly, making it safe around residences and gardens.
- Low cost: Neem oil is an extract from natural plants and a low-cost pest control option. Are you looking for a more natural measure to prevent spider mites from infesting your plants? Neem oil may be your best option.
How To Make Neem Oil Emulsifiable Concentrate
Here’s a simple way to make and use neem oil emulsifiable concentrate
- Mix 2 ounces of neem oil with 1 gallon of water.
- Add a few drops of liquid soap (this will help the oil mix properly with the water)
- Spray the plants with the mixture every 7-10 days.
Before using, test the concentrate on a small area as different plants react to neem oil differently.
Does Neem Oil Kill Spider Mites Conclusion
Does neem oil kill spider mites? The answer is Yes.
So, if you suspect an infestation of spider mites in your garden, why not consider opting for a natural pest control agent? Neem oil is safe for animals and human beings and is environmental-friendly. Be sure to buy neem oil from legit agents to prevent purchasing a fake product. The ones we have recommended above are top legit products.
Miteinfestaion.com blog was started to help others deal with the problems of Mites, bed bugs, fleas, ticks and other small, often unseen critters that give us problems. We hope these articles are a help to you as you deal with these types of issues. Any product or service we provide on these pages have been proven to work. We are solely reader supported so we may receive a small percentage as an affiliate of Amazon and other companies.
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