How can I naturally get rid of spider mites/mealy bugs on my coleus?
by Cheri Tanner
+5
I have been overtaken by spider mites and mealy bugs that have killed more than half of my beautiful coleus plants. I have tried rubbing alcohol and water, vinegar and water, natural herbicides, and nothing seems to work. They even attacked my purple velvet plant! This is war! I took them all outside thinking that maybe the bugs would eat them but going from inside to outside put them in shock! Any suggestions? I need some sure cure advice!
Suggested Project Book
Dawn dish detergent and water
Dip a swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe away the mites.
Just cut them off and make sure what is left is clean(use cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe off mealy bugs and kill them) then they/both will regrow nicely/healthy; make sure your other house plants are clean or the pests will continue to spread. use either pure Neem oil or an insecticidal horicultural soap; dawn/dish soap on plants will stop the plants from being able to breathe and photosynthesis also not good for soil kills healthy microbes in it. The problem is that NONE of them are insecticidal soap. If using dish soap – they are detergents, not soaps. If using liquid hand soap, the fatty acid salts are made from short chain fatty acids which are phytotoxic to plants – they damage and weaken plants. make sure plant debris is put in plastic garbage bag or burned because putting in compost or recycling just spreads unwanted pests
Hi Cheri, this article has some ideas you could try - http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/mites/spider-mites-outdoors.aspx You can also try spraying them with soapy water