How to get rid of spider mites on cucumbers
Miscellaneous / / July 12, 2022
Spider mites are so small that you can hardly see them with the naked eye. But they can spoil the harvest greatly.
How to understand that a spider mite has settled on cucumbers
Indirect signs indicate the appearance of pests. First, light dots appear on the leaves, which increase over time. The reason is simple: pests simply suck the cell juices out of the plant.
On the reverse side and edge of the sheet, a very thin cobweb and dark dots gradually become noticeable. Over time, damaged leaves turn yellow and dry out, and pests move to new ones.
What to do if a spider mite appears on cucumbers
You need to start the fight against spider mites as soon as you notice the first signs of its appearance. Options for action may be different. Some gardeners prefer to simply remove the leaves. But it is difficult to call this method effective. It is likely that the pest has already settled on other leaves, just its activity is not yet noticeable. So it is better to use reliable means.
True, here we must remember that a tiny pest is easy to carry on hands and even clothes. So after contact with infected plantings, you should not immediately go to check other beds. It is better to wash your hands, and if possible, even change clothes.
How to get rid of spider mites with biological products
For cucumbers and other vegetables that are grown for food, you should not use "chemistry". It is better to fight the pest with biological products that are easy to buy in stores. The main thing to remember is that you need acaricides or insectoacaricides, not just insecticides. The former are designed to fight specifically with ticks, and the active ingredient in them is aversectin. The second ones are combined, and the third ones will help to destroy only aphids, whiteflies and others. insects. All information about the spectrum of action and features of the drug can be read on the packaging.
On average, you will need 3-4 treatments spaced 3 days apart. So you can destroy pests at different stages of development and prevent them from bringing new offspring. If you apply the product only once or twice, only adult insects will suffer, and eggs and larvae will continue to develop safely.
Use the products strictly according to the instructions on the package and follow the safety measures.
How to get rid of spider mites with folk remedies
Sweet drinks and more can be an alternative to store-bought acaricides. Often, their processing is quite effective, so you can try.
With the help of ammonia
Dissolve a tablespoon of ammonia in 5 liters of water and spray the cucumbers. Pay special attention to the underside of the leaves, try to lift them when processing.
With the help of cinnamon
In a small jar, mix a tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 5 tablespoons of unscented oil. Lay a napkin on the bottom of the pan, put a jar in it and fill it with warm water up to the shoulders. Cover with a lid. Bring water to a boil over moderate heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Remove for a day in a dark place.
In a liter of water, add a tablespoon of liquid soap and oil mixture. Shake and spray on affected plants. Try not to hit the ground.
There is also a simpler option: you can simply sprinkle the back of the leaves with cinnamon powder. However, there is no guarantee that such processing will be sufficient.
With drinks
Beer, kvass, sweet lemonades and even whey are perfect. Just pour the drink into a spray bottle and spray the plants generously with it.
How to prevent spider mites
Dry and hot weather is ideal for the pest. So periodic spraying will be a good prevention. In open ground, it should be done only early in the morning or in the evening, so that burns do not appear on the leaves. In the greenhouse you can work even during the day.
For additional protection, along with cucumbers, you can plant marigold, onion, calendula and coriander. Their smell should repel pests.
Another option is to dilute 50 g of laundry or special green soap in a liter of water. Often it is not worth treating with such a solution, just a few times is enough.
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