Spider mites love oleanders
In general, spider mites are not particularly picky about their food crops. Certain plants, however, are particularly common. One of these preferred plants is the oleander, which seems to be a real treat for the animals. An infestation can hardly be avoided, after all, the arachnids are in the air and are blown everywhere with it. Oleanders that are wintered in warm and dry conditions and specimens that are in warm and protected locations (for example in the sun on a house wall) are particularly at risk. Freestanding oleanders, on the other hand, are rarely infested.
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Effectively prevent spider mite infestation
You can prevent spider mite infestation to a certain extent. Since the animals prefer a dry and warm climate, you only need to ensure high humidity or a slight breeze. Oleanders should be protected, but on hot summer days it is better to move the bucket away from the house wall and leave it free. Spray the oleander regularly with the help of a spray bottle so that the foliage is moist. In winter, the oleander should not stand in a warm living room, but overwinter at around five degrees Celsius in a frost-free and bright place. Don't forget to water the plant once a week in winter.
This is how you get rid of those annoying spider mites
Specialized remedies that are available from specialist retailers help against spider mites - or some tried and tested home remedies, the ingredients of which you are sure to have in your kitchen. In the case of a slight infestation - and if the oleander is not yet too big - you can spray the plant vigorously with water and then put a plastic bag over it. The humidity created under the bag reliably kills the spider mites. Rapeseed oil-based sprays, which are used primarily to wet the undersides of the leaves, have also proven successful.
Tips
If you regularly spray the oleander with water and then take a very close look, you can spot spider mite infestation at an early stage thanks to the water droplets that glitter in the fine webs.
