If any have followed my post on "using additives/supplements", you would have seen that I mentioned using Organicide to help with my spidermite problems. I just wanted to give a little heads-up on the usage and an update on the progress.

I'm fortunate that I only have one plant at this time that needs delt with, a Carambola. My first spray was about 2 weeks ago. I don't think I did a very good of coverage at that time because a few days later I found a few critters still going. I described the smell and mess this stuff can make in those posts as well. I'll say it again...the smell is bad and it is STICKY! It's fish oils so go figure. Spraying indoors is necessary for me but bad news. The plastic I have down in the room is now very sticky even after repeated cleanings.

I did a second application last week. I sprayed the hell out of it! Top side and bottom side, stems, trunks, mulch, and container...and everything else unfortunate enough to be in the radius of the spray...myself included. I took my time and made sure the undersides of the leaves got really drenched. Ever go on a fishing trip and you walk by the cleaning stations? That's pretty close to how this smells.

As for the plant and mites? The plant is saturated. Some leaves even show oil staining all the way thru. Even after a week, the leaves are shiny and sticky. I had some minor leaf drop. Not sure whether it is because of the spray or just normal Carambola leaf dropping activity. So far I've seen no signs of mites...nor their eggs.

I think this first battle goes to me so far. I've fought these things for several years now and know how resilient they are. So I don't believe the war is over just yet.

Make sure your sprayer can really make a fine mist...else you are just hosing things down! I would reccommend taking your plant outside if at all possible and climate allows. However, I will gladly put up with the fishy smell for a few days and a sticky floor if it destroys these little bast#$%s.