Plant Pest Control & IPM Sprays
Our plant pest control range covers two different tools for two different problems: Kill-A-Mite, an APVMA-registered abamectin miticide for spider mite outbreaks, and Athena IPW, an essential-oil plant wash for soft-bodied insects and powdery mildew. Both ship from our Sydney warehouse, and both work best as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) routine — the right climate, regular inspection, and treating early rather than late.
Mites
Kill-A-Mite, 18 g/L abamectin
Insects & mildew
Athena IPW, essential oils
APVMA 59000
Kill-A-Mite registration
Ships Sydney
local stock, local support
Match the product to the problem
The first step is identifying what you're dealing with. Fine yellow speckling (stippling) on the leaf surface and webbing on the undersides point to mites. Soft-bodied insects and white, powdery patches on leaves are a different problem with a different answer.
Kill-A-Mite — registered miticide
A Group 6A abamectin concentrate registered by the APVMA for two-spotted mite, red spider mite and other pest mites on the crops listed on its label, including ornamentals, tomatoes and strawberries. A 100 mL bottle makes up to 200 L of spray at the ornamental label rate. It is a scheduled POISON: protective gear is required when mixing and spraying, and it must be used exactly as the label directs.
View Kill-A-Mite 100 mL →Athena IPW — essential-oil plant wash
Athena's integrated plant wash, formulated from essential oils to deal with soft-bodied insects and powdery mildew on contact. Athena states it can be used from seedling to harvest, and it doubles as a leaf wash to keep foliage clean. Sold in 0.9 L and 3.78 L.
View Athena IPW →
Always read and follow the label. Rates, application limits, withholding periods and safety directions on each product's label take priority over any general guidance, including ours. Registered chemicals such as Kill-A-Mite may only be used on the crops and situations the label lists.
Prevention does most of the work
Sprays deal with an outbreak. The climate in your grow space decides how often you get one. Spider mites breed fastest in warm, dry air with little movement; powdery mildew takes hold in humid, stagnant air. Getting the environment right is the cheapest pest control there is.
- Keep air moving. AC Infinity clip and circulation fans break up the still pockets under the canopy where both mites and mildew settle.
- Hold humidity in range. AC Infinity Cloudforge humidifiers stop the air running too dry; the AC Infinity Hydrone dehumidifier pulls it down when it runs too wet.
- Automate it. AC Infinity controllers and sensors run fans, humidifiers and dehumidifiers to temperature, humidity and VPD targets, and log the history so you can see when conditions drifted.
- Inspect weekly. Mites are barely visible to the naked eye. The AC Infinity Jeweler's Loupe (30x / 60x with LED) shows them clearly on the underside of a leaf, well before stippling spreads.
FAQ
I have spider mites — which product do I need?
Kill-A-Mite. It is a registered miticide with two-spotted mite and red spider mite on its label. Athena IPW is formulated for soft-bodied insects and powdery mildew, not as a dedicated miticide.
Can I use both products?
Yes, for different problems. Use each one on its own, at its own label rate and timing. Don't tank-mix them unless a label specifically allows it.
Why do mites keep coming back after I spray?
Two common reasons. Eggs laid before the spray hatch afterwards, so a single application rarely finishes an outbreak — plan follow-up treatments within the label's application limits. And the conditions that let mites build up in the first place (warm, dry, still air) are usually still there. Fix the climate as well as treating the plants.
What protective gear do I need?
For Kill-A-Mite, the label requires cotton overalls, a hat, chemical-resistant gloves and goggles when mixing and applying. For Athena IPW, follow the safety directions on its label.
What time of day should I spray?
At or near lights-off indoors, or in the cool of the evening outdoors. Oil-based sprays sitting on leaves under strong light can scorch foliage. Kill-A-Mite's label also states it is dangerous to bees: don't spray plants in flower while bees are foraging.