Spider Mites

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Ozark Ozark, MO(Zone 6a) Oct 26, 2008

We have potted plants on our patio in the warm months that I bring inside every winter. There's a dwarf lemon tree, a hibiscus, a small bay tree, some geraniums, and a pot of Maui Purple Peppers. Tomorrow night we're going to have the first hard freeze of the year, 25 degrees, so I'll be bringing the plants inside tomorrow.

Every winter I've had a problem with spider mites and scale insects once these plants are indoors. I think that's because of the constant temperature and lack of wind inside the house. In past winters I've taken the plants back outside on a warm winter day to spray with insecticide soap, but that's a big job I'd like to avoid. The lemon tree in particular is in a 200-lb. pot, and I have to borrow a dolly to move it.

This year I'm thinking about spraying them all with liquid Sevin, then letting it dry BEFORE I bring them in the house. What do you think?

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Oct 29, 2008

Just found your thread--sorry to be answering so late. I'd test a small portion of each plant to make sure they can handle the seven. Some houseplants are sensitive to certain poisons.

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Ozark Ozark, MO(Zone 6a) Oct 30, 2008

No, I went ahead and did it - then brought the plants inside. Otherwise they'd 'a froze a couple of nights ago.

They all seem fine. The Sevin dried into a little white residue on the leaves, and I haven't seen any spider mites or webs.

I use Sevin on my summer garden against corn earworms and such, and it's supposed to be safe to use on veggies even just before harvesting. As pesticides go, I think it's fairly harmless stuff. I just hope it's killed off all the mites. Thanks.

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