How can i get mealy bugs and spider mites off my rosemary plants without using harsh chemicals?

am new to this...

How can i get mealy bugs and spider mites off my rosemary plants without using harsh chemicals?
I have heard that you can soak tobacco (like chewing tobacco) in water for a couple of weeks (like you are making sun tea) and then spray it on... I haven't tried it, so you might want to research it first.
Reply:don't use tobacco - it's really toxic to humans and pets. You can buy predatory insects that you release in your garden to eat up the pests. Read: http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/factshee...





beleive it or not, there are lots of websites that sell insects mail order!
Reply:I use a mix of garlic baby oil water and washing up liquid


3oz 2teaspoons 1 pint sqirt





Join a good gardening forum they are realy great for tips and help
Reply:Just try a hand spray with water and some washing up liquid.Give the leaves a good soak. Usually works.. Good for aphids on roses too.
Reply:Seven Spray! Get the concentrate!
Reply:i always use water with wash up liquid seems to work x
Reply:I use a mixture of water and washing up liquid and spray that on. Is safe for you if your going to use the rosmary and all importantly if birds eat the bugs it's not as harmful to them as are chemicals. Using chemicals kills off a lot of helpful bugs too. If you see ladybirds, etc these are a "good" bug as they eat the aphids :)
Reply:I use meths diluted in water for mealy bugs.


If a small infestation I dab the bugs with this solution on a cotton bud but if a lot I put the solution in a spray bottle and spray them.


I suppose methylated spirits are a chemical but as it is alcohol it evaporates leaving no harmful trace after the treatment


Spider mites do not like water and are easily knocked off so using a forceful jet of water from a hose (syringing) often works. But I find spraying mild detergent i.e washing up liquid works best
Reply:Use rubbing alcohol diluted 50 50 with water and spray on to the plant
Reply:spray water and dishsoap on them. it is safes way to kill them. a few drops of dishsoap in water works.
Reply:If you are American, baseball bat. If you are English, cricket bat. Neither will require the use of harsh chemicals and both will do the job, no prob. Hope that helps, lol