I’ve been battling spider mites again on my grow. Part of the problem is I won’t use chemicals to control them. After a bit of research I have found out peppermint oil is toxic to these critters. 4 drops of oil, a teaspoon of washing up liquid and 6 fluid ounces of water in my pump sprayer kills these pests stone dead with zero harm to my plants. I repeat daily if need be until I can see no more. Each time I check my plants if find the odd straggler I spray again. It’s definitely working as I am finding more dead ones now than live ones
Does it make your buds taste minty fresh?
My first grow using it so I will keep you posted on that one
Interesting reading on essential oils and their use in controlling spider mites. Finally gives us a positive answer on dosage etc.
I battling these in my hemp greenhouse. Trying to stick with organic so can get certification - already ordered lady bugs and lace wings but will definitely give the peppermint oil concoction a try.
I’d like to use what’s called 25-b products but has to be food grade unfortunately don’t have any of that at my 9-5 to snag
Around halfway through that paper they write that a dosage of 4% peppermint oil is the most effective for spider mites. This is the first time anybody has given us a real idea of how much to use . I’m looking at companion planting as well. According to their research mites hate the smell as well so a few well placed peppermint plants among your grow could work really well. Found this as part of an article on peppermint, interesting
The “pepper” part of its name is particularly apt since it has a spicy, pungent flavor derived from a unique combination of menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate, as well as limonene and other terpenoids.