need plant help

[ponygirl74]

my bamboo plants have spider-mites I haven't dealt with them for some time now ( over 10 years in fact) so I forgot how to deal with them as a home remedy. I know there are non chemical ways to kill them- anyone familiar with any? I googled spider-mites but get chemical ways of getting rid of them, any help I would be grateful for, thanks, Ponygirl74

[Chi]

Soap (crushed bar soap mixed with hot water and mushed around until dissolved and then cooled, or liquid dish soap) and water mixture sprayed into the foliage should get rid of them. An alternative is spraying the plant with a strong current like a hose or faucet set to max that'll wash them away.
My bamboo hangs into the aquarium, so I haven't had it on that, but it did nearly destroy my rose plant. I eliminated the aphids and then those nasty guys showed up. I restored to bug be gone, because I couldn't stand to lose it. Bamboo is a lot tougher (though sometimes temperamental) and will handle those guys.
Mine throw a little hissy fit if the leaves get wet while in the aquarium (THAT THEY LIVE IN), but handle the sink when being rinsed just fine. 

[kaoskat]

Oh ick! I wish you luck getting rid of them.

[Thunderwing]

Give the soap a try!  There are also companies that sell a predatory mite called "Persimilis" that eats spider mite like candy. The tough part is that you need to apply it every week at least three times, and it's expensive, and you can't store it very long or they starve so you have to buy it fresh each time. Soap and persistence are probably the best non chemical remedy. (You could also try adding a touch of garlic, that bugs some bugs.)

[Thrice]

I haven't heard of spider mites. Are they anything like aphids? I had great luck with ladybugs on one of my aphid-infested plants. I've heard of the dish soap remedy too.

[melodys_angel]

Cant really help you out.  I have a bamboo plant but haven't had that issue before

[evilbunnyfoofoo]

If the soap doesn't work, try mixing 1 part witch hazel to one part antiseptic mouthwash (any brand). I've had very good luck using it on both plants and little animals (rodents and birds) to remove many types of mites. Just mix it up, put it in a spray bottle and give your plant a good misting once every three days. It's saved more than more plant for me!

It does leave a bit of sticky residue which can later be safely rinsed off.