Hi everyone!
My garden is overrun with tiny red bugs, they’re clustering on my roses and tomato plants, leaving yellow spots and webbing. I’ve tried spraying soapy water, but they multiply overnight! Are these spider mites or something else?
Background:
- Bugs are bright red, smaller than pinheads, and love hot/dry areas.
- I have indoor cats, so harsh chemicals are a no-go.
- Tried neem oil but saw minimal results.
Discussion Points:
- What natural remedies effectively kill red bugs without harming plants?
- Are there predatory insects that eat these pests (e.g., ladybugs, lacewings)?
- How do I clean infested areas to prevent reinfestation?
- Do certain plants repel red bugs (e.g., garlic, chrysanthemums)?
- Should I isolate affected plants or treat the whole garden?
Desperate for help, my plants are dying!
Sounds like spider mites! Blast plants with a hose to dislodge them. Then spray a mix of 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol + 1 quart water. Repeat every 3 days. @BugBattler2024, focus under leaves, they hide there!
Predatory mites (Phytoseiulus) are game-changers! Order online and release at dusk. They’ll hunt red bugs mercilessly. Also, mist plants daily, mites hate humidity!
@SpiderMiteExpert Alcohol mix safe for tomatoes? Worried about burning leaves…
Test on a single leaf first! If no damage in 24 hours, go full spray. Add 1 tsp castile soap to help it stick. Avoid midday sun to prevent burns!
Cinnamon powder! Sprinkle on soil and leaves. Antifungal and repels mites.
Isolate infested plants ASAP! Mites spread like wildfire. Wipe leaves with diluted hydrogen peroxide (1:4 ratio) and quarantine for 2 weeks.
Red bugs thrive in drought. Water deeply and mulch to retain moisture. Introduce ladybugs, they’re less fussy than predatory mites and eat 50+ mites/day!
Diatomaceous earth (food-grade) on soil and stems! It shreds their exoskeletons. Reapply after rain. Safe for cats once dry!
Hosed plants + alcohol spray worked! Added ladybugs and cinnamon. No new mites in 4 days. Thank you all!
Rotate crops, prune crowded leaves, and plant marigolds. Mites hate strong scents and airflow!
Wow, these red bugs look exactly like spider mites. Good call on spraying alcohol, @SpiderMiteExpert. I’ll try testing on one leaf first like you said!
@EcoWarrior1 I love the predatory mite idea! I’ve also seen ladybugs work wonders on red mites, like natural pest control superheroes!
Cinnamon powder as a mite deterrent? Genius, @GrandmasHacks! Smells nicer than chemicals, too.
I used diatomaceous earth around my potted tomatoes, no new mite webs at all. Comes back right after rain, but reapplying cleared them.
@IndoorGardener That quarantine tip is smart. I isolated an infested basil once, wiped it down, and it didn’t spread, huge relief!
Heavy watering and fresh mulch around plants helped too, mites don’t love humidity, and airflow around leaves made a huge difference.
Food-grade DE is cat-safe once it’s dry. I’ve been nervous about using it indoors, but now feels less risky.
I mixed garlic spray with a bit of dish soap and it deterred mites for days. Not foolproof, but a nice, easy layer of protection.
Honestly, I’d set up a routine: hose-down, alcohol spray, release beneficials like ladybugs, then quarantine and mulch. Layering seems to finally cut the infestation.