Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 12/4/2011

Question
Hi guys,

Do you know if Liquid Ladybug is safe on carnivorous plants?
I am tired of dealing with these spider mites.
Most of the time there on my Nepenthes. ( and on my house plants)

Thanks, Jake

Answer
Hi Jake,

I've never used this product.  Look at the label to see what the active ingredients are.  Check that against what we recommend in our podcast on safe insecticides for cp:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbRCdJ8ZNF0

Dealing with spider mites can be very tough.  You might consider using predatory mites.  Often hydroponic stores carry these.  Sometimes insecticides can make the situation worse since you kill any predators that might be on your plants.  Here's some things that might be helpful.

1.  Quickly isolate any plants you see with them.  Try using a "kill chamber".  Set up a fish tank with a lid or cover with cellophane.  Put infected plants inside along with a No-Pest strip.  Here's what those look like: http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Shot-5580-Unscented-Repellent/dp/B0019BK8AG  You'll need to leave them in there for at least a week.  You want to kill any eggs/juveniles that hatch out.

2.  Mist your plants daily.  Spider mites hate humidity, so this can help.

3.  Get rid of any plants too far gone.  Severe infestations can be near impossible to treat.

4.  If you use a spray try ones based on Permethrin or Neem.  These seem to work better on spider mites.  You'll need to repeat at 3-4 week intervals, or whatever it says on package.  Imidacloprid won't kill mites.

Hope this helps.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com