In article , Deborah P.
writes
Does anyone else have the problem that as soon as it gets warmer and
sunnier red spider mites attack their lemon trees?

Yes - not just on lemons. Sometimes I believe they're capable of
spontaneous regeneration ;-)

I only have one
viable spot in my flat for the trees. This is a window niche in the
living room next to the sofa so I'd rather not use the oil-based
deterrent I was recommended, nor poison sprays. I regularly spray the
trees with water and sometimes lug them under the shower. This sort
of keeps the mites under control but doesn't eliminate them. These
lemons were two of the first things I ever grew from pips so I hate
things harming them.
I'd be really grateful for any suggestions.

Try the predator, available from a number of companies - Google on "red
spider" biological.
It works, but not quickly - at first you think it has failed, but a few
weeks later you realise you don't seem to have a red spider problem any
more.

You'd still be able to mist the plants to keep the humidity up and deter
red spider, but it would be best not to put them under the shower else
you'd wash the predator off too. And you wouldn't be able to pesticides
(which you don't want to) or soap solutions.

--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm