Is dish soap safe for spider mite control?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Using dish soap to control spider mites can be economical, but it takes some skill. Mix 1 teaspoon of an ordinary, gentle soap without additives per 1 liter of water. Spray that fixture on a single leaf to test for damage. If no damage occurs after 48 hours, you may want to proceed with caution. Overusing will burn the leaves.
Mixing Ratios
- Mild soap: 1 tsp per liter (avoid degreasers)
- Heavy infestations: 2 tsp max per liter
- Sensitive plants: Halve concentration
Application Protocol
- Spray at dawn or dusk to avoid sunscald
- Cover leaf undersides thoroughly
- Rinse with clean water after 2 hours
Safety Limits
- Apply once weekly maximum
- Discontinue after 3 consecutive uses
- Avoid succulents and fuzzy-leaf plants
Do not use soaps with bleach, fragrance, or antibacterial agents. These soaps can remove the protective leaf coatings. My basil leaves turned yellow after I used soap with a lemon fragrance. Soaps made with pure castile or baby shampoo are your best options. Always follow with a rinse because soap remnants will attract dust and block pores.
Mix soap sprays with neem oil for better effectiveness. The soap breaks down the wax layers of mites. Then, neem travel through their exoskeletons. Wait 24 hours between each application. Rotate treatments weekly. This breaks any resistance and limits exposure to soap.
Observe plants for soap accumulation. Waxy-leaved plants (like ivy) will first show white streaking. Gently rub the affected areas with damp cloths to remove the soap. If that doesn't help, transition to either garlic spray or predatory mites. Soap does work as a remedy but only as a temporary fix, not a consistent solution.
Read the full article: Spider Mite Control: Proven Strategies for Healthy Plants
