7 Common Plants That Repel Spider Mites

Looking for plants that repel spider mites to control them naturally? Here are seven species that work.

When faced with a spider mite problem in your garden, taking immediate action will determine how fast such a problem is tackled. More importantly, the specific measure taken will determine your success.

Here, we’ll be discussing ways to combat a spider mite problem with a special focus on plants.

Although these parasites mostly feed on garden plants, we’ll be listing spider mite repelling plants you can include in your garden. These are mostly included by way of companion planting.

Before long, your difficult spider mite problem should be gone.

7 Common Spider Mite Repellent Plants

The good news is that several plants contain repellent properties against spider mites. All of these can be included or planted with little difficulty in your garden.

They include Dill, Coriander, Pyrethrum, Garlic, Shasta Daisy, Chrysanthemums, and Chinese Parsley.

Other spider mite repellent plants include Garlic & Chives, Onion, Rhubarb, and Leek just to mention a few.

All of these plants can easily be included in your garden to naturally get rid of spider mites. That way, your garden plants are saved from these parasitic pests.

1. Dill

Dill plants are popular nutritional sources used in a variety of ways. However, what you may not know is that this plant possesses pest repellent properties.

It is classified as a plant belonging to the family of carrots and gives off a pungent smell that permeates your surroundings.

• How it Works

To use this plant as an effective repellent against spider mites, it’s necessary to understand how it works.

As stated earlier, dill plants give off a pungent scent. The scent released, though pleasing to humans is detested by spider mites. You only need to leverage this repellent property by including dill plants in your garden.

• How to Use

The best way of using dill plants as a spider mite repellent is by growing them in your garden. Companion planting is one effective way of protecting your vulnerable garden plants from damage.

Another method includes using it as a hedge around your garden plants to ward off spider mites.

• Side Effects

Side effects associated with the use of dill plants as a pest repellent aren’t that common. Nevertheless, certain users can experience irritations resulting from its use.

In such cases, it’s best to stop its usage and seek alternative plants to grow.

2. Coriander

This is another plant that repels spider mites. It is categorized as a herb and grows as high as 3 feet tall when fully matured. Coriander is a popular culinary herb used to flavor a variety of dishes.

So, while growing it in your garden, you can rest assured that your plants will be safe from spider mite attacks.

• How it Works

The presence of coriander plants alone within your garden makes it less desirable to spider mites. The same applies when grown alongside other plants considered vulnerable to pest attacks.

An added benefit of this plant as a repellent is that its seeds, when dried can be brewed into a tea and applied or sprayed over garden plants to serve as spider mite repellent.

• How to Use

To use coriander as a spider mite repellent, grow as many of this plant within your garden. You may decide to grow them alongside other garden plants or use them to create a hedge around the most vulnerable garden plants.

Before long, your garden will be free of spider mites.

3. Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum plants have been known to possess pest repellent properties and have been successfully used and still are.

These plants contain pyrethrin, a chemical compound used in a wide range of insecticides in the past. Its (pyrethrin) use has declined due to its many toxic effects.

So, does this apply to pyrethrum plants? No. Pyrethrum plants are non-toxic and a great addition to your garden to ward off spider mites.

• How it Works

Pyrethrum plants won’t only repel spider mites, but a wide range of pests just by adding them to plants grown in your garden.

Companion planting is one of the most popular ways this plant is deployed for pest control.

• How to Use

Using pyrethrum plants for spider mite control begins by inclusion. Inclusion in this sense refers to growing them alongside your garden plants considered vulnerable to spider mite attack.

This plant insecticide can also be grown as a hedge around garden plants to keep pests at bay.

• Side Effects

Growing pyrethrum as a plant insecticide has shown few side effects for most users. Although most people are unlikely to experience side effects from its use, some may experience adverse reactions.

If you’ve experienced such, it’s best to take precautions by seeking medical advice.

4. Garlic

Another plant with spider mite repellent properties is garlic.

Garlic plants are great plants to consider as an addition to your garden plants. These are great companions as they grow well with other plants. With garlic, you’ll be keeping a wide range of pests at bay including spider mites.

• How it Works

Garlic plants are known to give off a pungent smell. This overwhelms a wide range of garden pests which greatly benefits other plants considered vulnerable to spider mite attacks.

So, while benefitting from its pest repellent properties, garlic also serves as an important addition to your food.

• How to Use

To use garlic as an effective spider mite repellent, you’ll need to have a sufficient number of this plant growing in your garden. Companion planting is a great strategy to apply.

Also, these plants can be planted around other vulnerable plants to serve as a protective hedge.

• Side Effects

Are there any known side effects associated with garlic use?

For the most part, these plants are safe for use both as a food ingredient and also for pest control. However, the possibility of allergic reactions shouldn’t be completely ruled out.

Only a limited number or percentage of users ever experience side effects.

5. Shasta Daisy

Shasta daisies are a great addition to your garden if you wish to repel spider mites naturally. It is important to note however that these plants in themselves do not possess spider mite repellent properties.

Instead, they attract predators which cause no harm to the plant.

• How it Works

We mentioned the fact that these plants don’t repel spider mites. Instead, they attract beneficial species that feed on spider mites. This is a great way to solve a spider mite problem.

All you have to do is grow as much of this plant as possible to protect your most vulnerable plants.

• How to Use

To use Shasta daisy plants, you’ll need to grow them wherever spider mites are. Before long, beneficial species are attracted and prey on spider mites. You only need to provide the right conditions and sit back.

• Side Effects

Not much information is available on possible side effects resulting from Shasta daisy use.

In any case, when a side effect is noticed, it’s best to take appropriate action. Such actions will include discontinuing its use as well as seeking medical advice if the side effects are severe.

6. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are colorful perennial flowers used for a variety of reasons. One of them includes pest control.

Among the several pests repelled by chrysanthemums are spider mites. This plant is also a great addition to your home surroundings as its many beautiful colors make your home attractive.

• How it Works

Chrysanthemums contain a chemical compound known as pyrethrin which is widely used in a wide range of insecticides. This makes chrysanthemums effective natural repellents to a wide range of pest issues including spider mites.

• How to Use

The best way to put chrysanthemums to use is by growing them around your home or garden.

Making a hedge around vulnerable plants is a great way to start. Wherever these plants are, spider mites find such areas unwelcoming and unfavorable to feed.

• Side Effects

Skin rash, itchy, and or swollen skin may result from chrysanthemum use. When these signs are noticed, you must find better ways of handling such plants. The easiest will involve avoiding skin contact with the plant.

Generally, side effects associated with the use of chrysanthemums aren’t so common.

7. Chinese Parsley

This is an annual culinary herb with pest repellent properties. Chinese parsley also goes by the name cilantro. This name originates from its leaves which possess its main repellent properties.

• How it Works

Chinese parsley gives off an aroma which, though appealing to humans overwhelms spider mites and a wide range of other pests. The best way to push back a spider mite invasion in your garden is by including this plant.

• How to Use

Using cilantro to repel spider mites begins with growing it in your garden. Plus, this plant isn’t difficult to grow. Companion planting is one way to start.

Also, a protective wall can be created around garden plants most prone to spider mite attacks.

• Side Effects

Side effects associated with the use of Chinese parsley aren’t so common but are possible. When this happens, you may want to discontinue its use and try out other plants as listed above. Severe reactions will require medical attention.

The adoption of natural spider mite repellent strategies such as the use of plants is known to be highly effective in keeping them at bay.

The plants listed above have been used successfully and continue to be effective alternatives for anyone in need of natural solutions.