Cinnamon for Spider Mites in the Garden

Does cinnamon kill spider mites? Yes, it does, and here is how you can use cinnamon for spider mites!

Spider mites can be a nuisance for gardeners and plant enthusiasts, as they can quickly infest and damage plants. While various chemical pesticides are available on the market, many people prefer to use natural alternatives to protect their plants and the environment. One such natural remedy is cinnamon, a common kitchen spice effective against spider mites. In this post, we explore how to utilize cinnamon to combat these tiny pests and keep your plants healthy.

Also Read: Turmeric Uses in the Garden

What are Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that belong to the Tetranychidae family. They are commonly found on the underside of foliage of the plants. These tiny insects have eight legs and feed on the sap of plants, causing discoloration, wilting, and in severe cases, the death of the infested plant. Recognizing spider mite infestation is crucial for prompt action and preventing further damage.

Using Cinnamon to Get Rid of Spider Mites

Cinnamon is a popular spice derived from the bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum family. Besides adding flavor to our dishes, cinnamon possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. It contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which effectively repel and eliminate spider mites. Here are ways to use cinnamon to get rid of spider mites!

1. Sprinkle Cinnamon Powder:

• Begin by identifying the affected plants and areas infested by spider mites.
•  Take a small amount of cinnamon powder and sprinkle it generously on the infested plants’ leaves, stems, and soil surface.
•  The fine particles of cinnamon will create a barrier that repels spider mites and discourages their reproduction.

2. Cinnamon Spray Solution:

• Prepare a cinnamon spray solution by boiling water and adding a few cinnamon sticks or powdered cinnamon.
•  Let the mixture simmer for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the cinnamon to release its active compounds.
•  After cooling down, strain the solution to remove any solid particles.
•  Pour the cinnamon spray into a clean spray bottle.
•  Spray the solution on the infested plants, ensuring thorough coverage of the leaves, stems, and undersides of the leaves.
•  Repeat this process every few days until the spider mite infestation subsides.

3. Cinnamon and Soap Mixture:

• Combine cinnamon powder with liquid dish soap or mild liquid soap in a ratio of 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to 1 liter of water.
•  Stir the mixture well to ensure proper integration.
•  Spray the mixture directly onto the affected plants, targeting the areas where spider mites are visible.
•  The soap helps to suffocate and kill the mites, while the cinnamon acts as a deterrent.
•  Remember to reapply the mixture every few days to eliminate any newly hatched spider mites.

Apart from this, another effective solution to spider mite infestation is cinnamite. It’s derived from cinnamon oil and works well against spider mites and aphids.

Additional Tips

• Regularly inspect your plants for early signs of spider mite infestation, such as yellowing leaves, stippling, and fine webbing.
•  Prune and remove heavily infested plant parts to prevent the spread of mites.
•  Maintain a clean and hygienic gardening environment by regularly removing fallen leaves and debris, as these can harbor spider mites and their eggs.