How To Prevent Spider Mites?

**Kolchak420** · 12-10-2010, 08:37 AM

I'm a new grower about to start my first grow. And I've read horror stories about spider mites.

So, how does one prevent spider mites from infesting an indoor grow room? Are there any non-poisonous spray-on products that would do the trick without harming the plants? Is there a certain grow room temperature that will deter spider mites, while also allowing plants to thrive?

If it matters, my grow room is an upstairs bedroom closet. The bedroom is carpeted, and I have 2 small dogs running around up there all the time. But the closet itself is off limits to the dogs, and the closet has no carpeting.

On an aside note, if spider mites are so bad for plants, then how does anyone do an outside grow with success? It seems like there would be no way to prevent or even control spider mite damage on an outside grow.

**Viagro** · 12-10-2010, 08:52 AM

Mites don't like some strains. Like Iranian strans from Dr. Greenthumb, etc.

I'm starting to use companion planting with chives and coriander, etc...which mites run from. I'm also putting a little peppermint oil in my waterings.

I bought an organic flea collar, impregnated solely with oils...some are mite repellant...I cut the collar into short pieces to hang in plants. I left the buckle end long enough to make a ring to lay on the soil at the base. So far so good, and I'm in mite city.

Some dispensaries ask their growers to use Zero Tolerance, if necessary. It's organic.

**IXOYE** · 12-17-2010, 12:00 PM

Does cedar prevent spider mites? I too am in "mite city" and am preparing for their return when the winter ends. I purchased cedar bedding (like you'd use for a hamster cage) to sprinkle on the top of my soil. (When cedar breaks down it creates a high nitrogen content though so I will keep refreshing them.) Will also implement Viagro's techniques, thank you! Great thread.

**Viagro** · 12-17-2010, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by IXOYE

Does cedar prevent spider mites? I too am in "mite city" and am preparing for their return when the winter ends. I purchased cedar bedding (like you'd use for a hamster cage) to sprinkle on the top of my soil. (When cedar breaks down it creates a high nitrogen content though so I will keep refreshing them.) Will also implement Viagro's techniques, thank you! Great thread.

I wondered about that, too. I thought about buying some Cedarcide, to keep the fleas off my cat, and the mites off my plants.

**IXOYE** · 12-17-2010, 01:13 PM

I just read on another thread about something called SNS217 which is made from rosemary oil - so I'll take the rosemary in my kitchen cabinets and sprinkle that in with the cedar.

Do you plant the cilantro and corriander in the same pot as your mj?

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**IXOYE** · 12-17-2010, 01:17 PM

also i got some dr. bronner's peppermint oil soap I am considering putting in with waterings - any idea how much per gallon?

**Viagro** · 12-17-2010, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by IXOYE

I just read on another thread about something called SNS217 which is made from rosemary oil - so I'll take the rosemary in my kitchen cabinets and sprinkle that in with the cedar.

Do you plant the cilantro and corriander in the same pot as your mj?

That's my plan. I have chives for that, as well. (Cilantro is Coriander.) I might just put a small separate pot on the side.

My rosemary plants get swarmed by spider mites in late summer, so it's hard for me to feature it helping.

Originally Posted by IXOYE

also i got some dr. bronner's peppermint oil soap I am considering putting in with waterings - any idea how much per gallon?

I put a few drops of Dr. Bronner's lavender in my water. I don't have any peppermint right now, so I dissolve peppermint candy in water, and use that.

**IXOYE** · 12-17-2010, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Viagro

That's my plan. I have chives for that, as well. (Cilantro is Coriander.) I might just put a small separate pot on the side.

I put a few drops of Dr. Bronner's lavender in my water. I don't have any peppermint right now, so I dissolve peppermint candy in water, and use that.

Very clever advice! Am I just naive to assume spider mites won't strike in the winter time? Regardless, as with anything, prevention is better than cure. I want to be prepared for spring for sure. I will get to my garden center asap and see what of these herbs they have and stick them in with my plants. Also thanks for the peppermint candy tip - there's lots of that around this time of year

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**Viagro** · 12-17-2010, 01:49 PM

Prevention is key, that's why I like scents to ward off the impending invasion.

Depends on how cold it is where you live, I'd imagine. I saw a mite running across the top of my entryway cabinet, underneath a hanging basket, just the other day.

I hope I've given good advice. Anyway, it's my pleasure.

Just make sure you get candy with real oil in it. Or, just use your Dr. Bronner's...that's what I'd do. I'd add it to seaweed for foliar feeding.

Cheers!

**golddog** · 12-17-2010, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by Kolchak420

I'm a new grower about to start my first grow. And I've read horror stories about spider mites.

So, how does one prevent spider mites from infesting an indoor grow room? Are there any non-poisonous spray-on products that would do the trick without harming the plants? Is there a certain grow room temperature that will deter spider mites, while also allowing plants to thrive?

If it matters, my grow room is an upstairs bedroom closet. The bedroom is carpeted, and I have 2 small dogs running around up there all the time. But the closet itself is off limits to the dogs, and the closet has no carpeting.

On an aside note, if spider mites are so bad for plants, then how does anyone do an outside grow with success? It seems like there would be no way to prevent or even control spider mite damage on an outside grow.

Preventive measures

#1 I use the Hot-Shot No Pest Strip in my grow box BEFORE I put my plants in to ensure I don't have any critters in my Box.

#2 If I get clones from someone else, I put them in with a Strip for about a week, to make sure BUGS are not being brought in.

#3 High temperature and low moisture is what the Spider Mites want. Keep it below 85F and keep the humidity up.

#4 Check your plants often, look under the leaves. If they get out of hand the will get on all of your plants.

Good Luck

P.S. Regarding outdoor grows, you depend mostly on nature.