Spider Mites/ How to Get Rid of Them

I do have my share of spider mite battles in the garden. For us, gardeners, these pests can be quite destructive. In this video I am sharing how I get rid of them.

[@MarigoldsintheGarden]

Thank you for this wonderful video, Olga. I only recently found your channel. I live in Queensland, Australia and so my climate is warmer than yours. I can still grow many of the plants that you have in your garden, however we don't get snow so the 'cold loving plants' are a little harder! The worst pest that I am dealing with is root mealy bugs. Last summer my entire garden developed an infestation of both root and leaf mealy bugs because we got persistent heavy rain and humidity, I lost about one quarter of my plants, especially the young flowering ones. I think you are right about balance in the garden. I need to grow plants that will attract ;good' bugs. 🌴 🌻🌺🌼🌳🌹

[@OlgaCarmody]

Those bugs are present in my garden too, but I think that I have a predator who eats them. Don't know who it might be. And yes, keeping diversity going might help a lot! Thank you for watching!

[@edithclarke5143]

Love your garden is beautiful. Very relaxing. Keep the shoes off and enjoy. It’s just for a short season. Make the most of it.

[@zalehaburude7752]

Those Roses are truly beautiful and enchanting... Congratulations...Olga Carmody.

[@graceinthegarden9151]

I too enjoy being barefoot in the garden. Update on my "chewed" rose, I did move it, cut it almost down to the root. I added worm castings and some other natural "fertilizer", time will tell if it survives. It came from Antique rose emporium. I truly hope I moved it before it caused too much damage on the other roses. I also added natural fertilizer to all my plants. It is my hope things come back healthy. Beautiful roses, enjoy all your hard work.

[@OlgaCarmody]

Yes, hope that rose decide to live for you! Thank you!

[@BrandywineGarden]

It’s evident that you champion Dr Elaine Ingham’s approach to organic gardening and letting nature “do it’s thing”. For which you have my full support! It makes me wonder - Olga, have you ever heard of Jessica Walliser? I believe her work would resonate with you - organic gardener, treating the garden as an ecosystem, promoting a diverse poly-culture, etc. I’ve heard good things about her book “Good Bug Bad Bug”, although I’ve never read it myself. Happy gardening!

[@OlgaCarmody]

I didn't read her book, I see a lot of good reviews about it! Maybe a new book on garden book list! Happy Gardening!

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

Thank you so much for this video. It is so hard for gardeners to find information on how to naturally deal with their insect issue so this is hugely helpful to many gardeners, I'm sure. I had been struggling with spider mites for three years and have tried so many things. Insecticides, even organic ones can help but won't get rid of them. I was really getting desperate because so many of my plants were looking terrible. This year I ordered a bunch of beneficial insects from Arbico Organics. I cannot see them, but I know they're there because my dahlia foliage is looking gorgeous for a change. I am not using a drop of insecticide this year, not even soap, because I don't want to kill the beneficial insects. Even my petunias are looking gorgeous, which normally I cannot keep in bloom without bt spray. I am only using organic fertilizers as well because I heard that chemical fertilizers affect the brix levels of plants and bring in many of the bad insects. Now let's just see what happens with my nemesis, the cucumber beetle and the squash vine borer. I am really worried for that battle!

[@OlgaCarmody]

Good for you! Glad that your garden is thriving! I really think that natural stuff is the only long term success.

[@Rena0Dawn]

I’d love a list of all the insects you ordered pretty please ❤️

[@shirleyprescott1528]

I love the bare feet! I too, am in the garden bare footed! Thank you for the video and the tour of the over grown garden with the beautiful healthy boxwoods!

[@camirichardson7485]

I would not want to take out that beautiful knockout climber either! It's gorgeous! One would never know your garden had issues with spider mites. Everything looks so healthy.

[@imeldamayer-taylor2783]

Thank you, I like your natural approach very much. Perfect gardens not my thing.

[@jacquelinelauri4022]

Great idea with the hose I will try that this week on my bushes we have very hot days. That was so great to see the boxwoods growing in the forest. P.S. I love the baskets on the fence. 🙏🌈

[@OlgaCarmody]

Yes, those boxwoods are great! Thanks!

[@gratefulheart860]

Beautiful climbing rose, amazing holly and boxwoods! You are our youtube Garden fairy!

[@OlgaCarmody]

😘😚😙

[@dreamagood8321]

Love walking bear foot outside .. I think it’s so relaxing & feels great on your feet ♥️

[@OlgaCarmody]

Agree, my neighbors think I am a bit of a strange gardener, but it surely feels good!

[@dreamagood8321]

@@OlgaCarmody don’t worry about them neighbors! 😂😂

[@arlenebirch]

Perfect timing. Waiting to watch. I just ordered some beneficial nematodes and green lacewings to tackle these guys!

[@OlgaCarmody]

Oh, wow, you are staying ahead of the game!

[@arlenebirch]

I started the nematodes last year because I had planted my first roses and I knew that we have many Japanese beetles here. I applied them twice and we did have some beetles but not nearly as many. I’m doing the same this year. Hopefully I will have even fewer. I’m also fighting with sawfly larvae, aphids and now spider mites! I am hopeful that the lacewing bugs will eat all these bad boys up! I ordered from Arbico Organics as did another viewer. They are very helpful and customer service is great. Bye bye mites!!!

[@mariatorres3171]

As always a very informative video. Love your climbing roses 💕💕💕

[@bigtomatoplantslover6205]

Beautiful Garden~ Thank you for good sharing. Like 201 My friend, have a good day

[@theaccidentalcook8557]

Yay!!!! I've been waiting for this video from Olga. Thank you for sharing your care tips with all of us. Btw, glorious roses as always🥰 im stuck using the solution. It works but in zone 9b california, every 3 day application is a near MUST. Soon as I get the mite population u Der control, I'm purchasing phytoseiulus persimilis and neoseiulus californicus ( they can be bought online from Arbico Organics) it's a bit pricey but they are better alternatives than sprays. What a wonderful video Olga. The hub and I always look forward to your informative videos and garden updates. Have a blessed rest of your day

[@OlgaCarmody]

You are so welcome! Hugs!

[@theaccidentalcook8557]

Awwww shucks! I just told a friend of mine to subscribe to your channel. She works at our local garden center and like you, is an absolute gem of a friend and is a wealth of gardening info. 😊 it's truly such a blessing to be amongst kindred spirits. By the way, I saw your Christmas video where you talked about that precious doll you made for your husband. If you're so inclined, perhaps try using paper clay. It's a wonderful medium. I've used it to sculpt a few dolls myself. And also, check out the KZbin channel of Jeri Landers (Hopalong Hollow). You may find another who shares many of your crafting interests. I know I did. Much love Olga.

[@lindabergman932]

Thank you Olga for sharing your knowledge of roses and plants in general. Welcome my gardening friends. I look forward to your introduction, it makes my heart smile. Such a lovely way to start your video. ❤️🌸☀️

[@OlgaCarmody]

Awww, thank you!

[@jenmartin1730]

Congrats on your first premiere! That rose is gorgeous, is it once blooming? Maybe a rose like May Queen? I wouldn't have the heart to pitch it. ❤️

[@OlgaCarmody]

That is Aloha climber. I really don’t like the bloom shape, but this year it really put a nice performance for us. Don’t have a heart to cut it down…

[@jenmartin1730]

@@OlgaCarmody Well good blooms and best wishes. 🌹 💐 🌼

[@AshleySmith-yf7ig]

Hi Olga, I finally got rid of mine with diamateceous earth. But I did it in very early spring before pollinators were out.

[@OlgaCarmody]

Tell me more, you just spread it under the plants?

[@AshleySmith-yf7ig]

@@OlgaCarmody yes I would sprinkle it on the top and underneath, the best that I could. I did all of my bushes. And the ground too. I left it on them for a couple weeks. It was war lol!

[@AshleySmith-yf7ig]

@@OlgaCarmody yes I would sprinkle it on the top and underneath, the best that I could. I did all of my bushes. And the ground too. I left it on them for a couple weeks. It was war lol!

[@karinaabad5347]

Thank you Olga! Would you apply the rubbing alcohol mixture when there is no sun on the plant? Will it fry the leaves? I easily am such a fan of your wonderful videos

[@OlgaCarmody]

Yes, away from sun. Mornings or evenings are the best. And do test before applying to the whole bush. Some of my roses are more sensitive than others…

[@TB-cy1wt]

I just lost two baby roses. I tried the Neem Oil treatment but ended up burning the poor things. I thought I applied the oil in the correct way during the evening but the sun damage over the following several days on the leaves and canes was horrible. This was back in early spring. I think I will go with the benefical insect route or try the alcohol and soap treatment you suggested.

[@OlgaCarmody]

Oh, no, do you live in a hot zone? Neem oil is tough in hot and sunny areas to apply. If it doesn't work for you, you got your lesson, that is probably a good thing you got out of loss of those roses. Happy Gardening! My Vanessa Bell was somewhat unhappy with neem oil, not big, but some roses are more gentle than others...

[@TB-cy1wt]

@@OlgaCarmody Yes, I live in VA and like many people in the USA, we had a tricky early spring. Lesson learned!!

[@moonriver_.]

wowww.. I'll say Aloha! to that knockout beauty!!

[@John-wr6yo]

Who wouldn't love this Chanel

[@denise6920]

Love love love your roses, all of your roses 🌹 💕. May I ask what is the name of the piano piece that you have in all of your videos, after each introduction? It sounds so familiar but I've been scratching my head for its name 😄

[@OlgaCarmody]

It is A Minor Waltz by Ester Abrami

[@amypetersen]

Thank you Olga! I love that you like to go barefoot in the garden! I love that your videos are so real and sincere! I have a question about my brand new david austin roses. I just planted several this spring, and today I noticed they have lots of aphids on them. Should I do something about the aphids, will they harm my new rose bushes?

[@OlgaCarmody]

Yes, you should knock them out of your roses. Aphids are soft body insects which suck the juices out of gentle growth of roses. Use water stream, once they fall down, aphids can’t get back to the bush and die. I use my fingers to brush them off the buds, if not many are there. Next would be Neem oil, which damages aphids soft membranes and interferes with their eating. Hope it helps. Thanks

[@Hlegzudas]

Have you checked if a birds nest is in the holly?

[@OlgaCarmody]

I have several nests in my garden. All the babies are out already. My big holly hosts many birds, including cardinals.

[@centaurialpha7527]

How about using vinegar to kill the spider mites?

[@OlgaCarmody]

I never tested vinegar and so can't do my informative opinion about it. I heard about vinegar though...

[@donnanichols6838]

Thank you 🍃🤗🍃

[@xdrive300011]

Olga, what nozzle you are using? the pressure seems a lot higher than mine.

[@OlgaCarmody]

I really don't know, I bought that nozzle last year and it is a budget thing. If I find out I will let you know. Thanks

[@Prabhakarj96]

Make a video about thrips

[@OlgaCarmody]

Thanks, might do that

[@sabirbm1512]

You should have put these beautiful flowers on your hands and plucked some of the flowers to make the scene more beautiful

[@ZukiGrL1]

I was just thinking...."She doesn't like to wear shoes in her garden either!" And then you apologized for it....No apology needed! *Thank you for such an informative video!*

[@OlgaCarmody]

Yay!! Glad that I am not the only bare foot gardener! I literally run the risk to turn my feet into those old garden feet my granny used to have. Happy gardening!

[@indie8189]

This climber is beautiful!

[@mml0082]

Mother Earth knows what she’s doing 🌱 🌍

[@OlgaCarmody]

Yes, nature is well balanced!

[@shalidinesh8299]

This climberose so beautiful 😘and nice please

[@surajsuku6184]

You really scared those roses lol they are doing good don’t chop them😍

[@OlgaCarmody]

I guess I did scare them! Won’t have heart to chop it now.

[@cathyhatfield5340]

Lol I’m barefooted most of the time👍😎❤️

[@OlgaCarmody]

I call it life, to live bare-feet!

[@Dont_be_negative]

I am sorry but please be specific and brief. Thanks.

[@OlgaCarmody]

Can try to do a short list of advice under the video to help people who are looking for a quick answer...

[@Dont_be_negative]

I am sorry if I sounded rude. You are an amazing person and I like your content. I just wanted to give you this suggestion. More people like me who have short attention span would subscribe your channel if the videos are brief and to the point. Thanks for your response. I really appreciate it.

[@pinkakagreen]

those spider mites are the worse

[@OlgaCarmody]

Agree!

[@veronicaalta9462]

Ugh…😖 hate them

[@OlgaCarmody]

I know, right?