How To Keep Pesky Aphids And Spider Mites Off Your Plants

You can give your plant the best care possible regarding water, sun, and food, but if they become infested with pests, all your work can quickly go down the drain. Infestations from aphids and spider mites are common, and they can damage your plants. However, there is an easy way to deter them from invading your plants, and it involves making your own insecticidal soap.

Deciphering aphids from spider mites can be difficult because they are so small. Yet, both insects harm plants. Aphids suck the sap from the plant leaves and release honeydew on them, which leaves them feeling sticky. Spider mites chew on the underside of the leaf and produce a white webbing that stays on leaves and stems.

These activities by both aphids and spider mites cause the plant leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. Deterring pests from invading your plants is better than waiting for an infestation to happen. By then, it can be too late, and your plants can already be harmed.

To keep aphids and spider mites off your plant leaves, make your own insecticidal soap using common pantry staples. Mix 1 cup of canola oil with 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Then, get a spray bottle and fill it with 1 cup of water.

Next, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of the oil-soap mixture and add it to the spray bottle. Shake generously. Spray each leaf on top and bottom of the leaf. Don't do this if it's raining or on a high-humidity day, which can prevent the leaf from absorbing the mixture.

Keep the leftover oil and soap mixture in a covered container and add it to the water-filled spray bottle right before you use it again. It's best to spray the mixture in the early morning shade to keep the liquid on as long as possible before it dries up. Best of all, this natural convocation won't harm your pets, birds, or bees.