Say Bye to Spider Mites 👋

I can’t make any promises, but this method has been a total game-changer for my plants. Here’s exactly what I do when I spot spider mites:

1. Give the Plant a Bath (If Possible) 🛁🌿

I submerge the whole plant in lukewarm water for 30–60 minutes to drown any pests. If the tub is too small, I rotate the plant and soak one side at a time.

🛁 I use this drain hair catcher to keep debris out of the drain.Submerge the entire plant in lukewarm water for 30-60 minutes to drown pests.

Optional: Seal the Soil

To avoid mess, I sometimes tape over the pot or cover the soil with duct tape. It helps keep the soil in place and makes cleanup easier.

2. Rinse Thoroughly

After soaking, I spray the plant with a strong stream of water to wash off anything still clinging to the leaves—especially underneath and around the stems (where they hide).
🚿 I use this handheld hose attachment for more control.

3. Apply Insecticidal Soap

I spray insecticidal soap all over the plant, making sure everything is covered. I usually go with a concentrate because it lasts longer, but premixed works fine too. After spraying, I let the plant air dry fully.

Directions for Use → Concentrate | Premixed

💡 Pro tip: I sometimes add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the insecticidal soap to help with the smell. If you try this, be sure to keep the plant out of direct sun for 24 hours to avoid leaf burn.

Why I Prefer Insecticidal Soap Over Horticultural Oil:

Horticultural oil can be effective, but in my experience, it’s too harsh for some plants. It damaged my Tradescantia leaves, so I now stick with insecticidal soap

It feels gentler, easier to rinse, and still gets the job done—without that thick, greasy residue.

4. Repeat Step 3 Weekly for 2-3 weeks to Break the Spider Mite Life Cycle.

Even if I don’t see pests right away, I still reapply insecticidal soap weekly for 2–3 weeks. That’s how I make sure the life cycle is interrupted.

💡 A Few Things I’ve Learned:

Spot test first: Some plants don’t react well to new sprays, so I test on one leaf before treating the whole plant.
Clean nearby surfaces: Mites can spread, so I wipe down any surrounding pots and shelves.
Isolate infested plants: I keep them separate from the rest of my collection while I’m dealing with them.
Small plant tip: I’ve used a collapsible tub to make this easier—but it can also be done outside to skip the mess indoors.

🌱 Final Note
Every plant is different, and this isn’t a guaranteed fix—but for me, this has been one of the most effective and gentle ways to deal with spider mites. Hope this helps if you’re in the thick of it like I’ve been!