Spider mites are a barely noticeable pest that is especially active in autumn and winter, when the air in the house is dry and plants are weakened. It settles on the underside of leaves, sucks out the juice and leaves small yellowish dots. Over time, the leaves dry out, curl, and a thin, almost invisible web appears between the branches. If left untreated, the plant may die within a few weeks.
You can deal with ticks without chemicals. A product that is found in every kitchen – vegetable oil – is sufficient. It creates a film that blocks the access of oxygen to the pest, and the tick dies within a few hours. At the same time, the oil is safe for most plants and does not leave toxic traces.
How to prepare the solution:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of any refined vegetable oil with 1 liter of warm water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. It helps the oil to distribute evenly in the water.
- Stir well.
How to use:
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray the plant generously, especially the undersides of leaves and branch junctions.
- Leave for 3-4 hours, then gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to remove any remaining oil and dead mites.
- Repeat the treatment after 4-5 days to destroy any hatched larvae.
After just 3 days you will notice: the cobwebs disappear, new dots do not appear, and the plant begins to produce fresh leaves. Complete removal takes 7–10 days with two treatments.
Question and answer:
For what flowers can you use vegetable oil against ticks?
This method is suitable for most ornamental plants: ficus, dracaena, monstera, spathiphyllum and chlorophytum.
How to fight spider mites without chemicals?
You can fight spider mites without chemicals using an oil solution based on vegetable oil and liquid soap.
Can the oil be used on violets and streptocarpus?
For delicate plants, such as streptocarpus or Usambara violet, oil mixtures are not recommended; they can cause leaf burns.
