Spider mites are small pests that can damage plants indoors and outdoors. These tiny arachnids thrive in hot, dry environments and can cause leaves to yellow, wilt, and even die. Fortunately, getting rid of spider mites is not difficult when you have rubbing alcohol at your disposal. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of spider mites with rubbing alcohol.
What are Spider Mites?
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that belong to the Tetranychidae family. They are about the size of a pinhead and come in a variety of colors, including red, brown, yellow, and green. Spider mites have sharp mouthparts that they use to pierce the leaves of plants and suck out the juices. This can cause visible damage like yellowing, wilting, and curling of leaves. If left unchecked, spider mites can quickly reproduce and infest entire plants.
What is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is an antiseptic and disinfectant. It’s commonly used to disinfect wounds, clean surfaces, and sterilize medical instruments. Rubbing alcohol is a versatile household item that can also be used to kill spider mites.
How to Use Rubbing Alcohol to Get Rid of Spider Mites
Rubbing alcohol kills spider mites by drying them out. Here’s how to use it to get rid of spider mites:
1. Mix rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle in a ratio of 1:1. For example, if you have a 16 oz. spray bottle, add 8 oz. of rubbing alcohol and 8 oz. of water.
2. Shake the mixture well to combine the rubbing alcohol and water.
3. Spray the mixture directly onto the infested leaves, making sure to coat the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Be sure to use enough solution to wet the leaves thoroughly.
4. Repeat the process every three days until you no longer see any signs of spider mites.
Tips for Using Rubbing Alcohol to Get Rid of Spider Mites
1. Test the solution on a small part of the plant before applying it all over to make sure it doesn’t damage the plant.
2. Do not use rubbing alcohol on plants in direct sunlight or when temperatures are above 90°F, as it can cause the leaves to burn.
3. Be sure to spray the entire plant, as spider mites can move from one part of the plant to another.
4. Use a fine mist when spraying the solution to avoid damaging the plant.
5. Make sure to dispose of any dead spider mites and clean the spray bottle thoroughly after use.
Conclusion
Spider mites can be a nuisance for indoor and outdoor gardeners. However, getting rid of them is possible with rubbing alcohol. By using the rubbing alcohol and water mixture, you can kill spider mites without harming your plants. Always remember to test the solution on a small part of the plant first and make sure to apply it regularly to get rid of all the spider mites. With these tips, your plants will be spider mite-free in no time.