I've been dealing with a spider mite infestation and have successfully treated the adults, but I can't seem to remove all the eggs. I know I can't eliminate them completely, so my options are either to use harsh chemical foggers or regularly treat the plants forever. I also read about sterilizing soil in the oven. Now, I'm considering using a clothes steamer since it gets hot enough to kill both the adults and eggs—though I'm worried it might harm my plants. I plan to move the steamer quickly and only use it on tougher plants like my peperomia. Has anyone tried this method? I'd love to hear any experiences! I have a few small plants that are infested, so I'm willing to give it a shot and will keep everyone updated on the outcome!
2 Answers
I tried using a steamer when I was new to plants, and I completely burned my plants. There are definitely better methods out there to tackle spider mites without damaging your greens.
I was working on some succulents and they did not appreciate it at all!
You might want to try spraying your plants with insecticidal soap a few times. This helps catch the spider mites as they hatch. Using 1% horticultural oil is also effective because it suffocates any eggs it touches. Remember, they only live about three weeks, so keep treating regularly to outpace their breeding.
I've been using Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew, but some plants have so many mites that I can't cover every inch. I feel like if I could hit both adults and eggs at once, I'd finally win this battle! I did manage to save a Calathea with spray before, so I know it works!
That's a smart move! Just keep at it, and you might finally get rid of them all.
Yeah, I've had the same experience trying to dry out plants with a space heater. What plants did you attempt to steam?