Can I use dish soap to kill the mites?

Yes, a mild solution of one teaspoon of dish soap per quart of water works well. Spray it on the leaves, wait a few minutes, and rinse them off.

Will these bugs hurt me?

No, spider mites only feed on plant sap and are harmless to humans. They only pose a threat to the health of your Kratom tree.

Why are there tiny bugs on my Kratom plant? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for webbing.
Check for tiny moving dots on the leaf surface.
Measure the humidity level near the plant.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny white or red specks moving on the leaves and fine silk webbing between stems. The leaves may also look speckled or dull.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks stressed and the leaves feel brittle. Mites thrive in these dry conditions.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by using a pebble tray or a humidifier. Aim for 50 to 70 percent humidity to keep the plant happy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kratom

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see heavy webbing covering the entire plant, it is a severe infestation that needs immediate treatment. A few mites are manageable but require quick action to prevent spread.

Stopping it coming back

Mist your plant regularly and keep the leaves clean by wiping them with water every two weeks.

Kratom: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kratom and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the mites?: Yes, a mild solution of one teaspoon of dish soap per quart of water works well. Spray it on the leaves, wait a few minutes, and rinse them off.
Will these bugs hurt me?: No, spider mites only feed on plant sap and are harmless to humans. They only pose a threat to the health of your Kratom tree.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why are there tiny bugs on my Kratom plant?