Spider mites especially like to eat cucumber leaves. They are among the most widespread pests. In summer temperatures they attack the underside of the leaves and cover them with their typical whitish web. This is how you get rid of the pests quickly.
How do you fight spider mites on cucumbers?
To combat spider mites on cucumbers, you can shower the plants with lukewarm water, put them in a plastic bag, or use natural remedies such as nettle decoction and horsetail broth. Also promote natural spider mite killers such as predatory mites, wasps and ladybirds.
The common spider mite - Tetranychus urticae - are yellowish green or reddish-brown, tiny arachnids. They crawl on four pairs of legs. As with all species of mites, the head, chest and abdomen form an oval body. They use their bristle-like mouthparts to pierce the plant cells and suck out the cell juice.
How to recognize spider mites on cucumbers
First, small, bright, pinprick dots become visible on the leaves. These expand quickly. In the advanced stage, the leaves turn yellow to gray-brown, dry out and die. In addition, the young cucumber shoots are covered with a fine, whitish web. If you check infected leaves under a magnifying glass, countless, spherical spider mites are visible on the undersides of the leaves. Spider mites are particularly often found on cucumbers in the greenhouse for these two reasons
- too little humidity
- too much nitrogen in the soil
Preventive measures: Avoid nitrogen fertilizers. Ensure balanced plant nutrition with organic green manure. Increase humidity in the greenhouse.
Effectively combat spider mites on cucumbers
There are enough natural spider mite killers that you can avoid using chemicals. Shower the affected cucumber plants vigorously with lukewarm water. Especially on the undersides of the leaves. Then pack it in a large transparent plastic bag for 2 days. The humid climate destroys the spider mites and the cucumber plants gradually recover.
Spraying the plants with nettle broth and horsetail broth also works. If the infestation is very severe, spray with soapy water or skimmed milk.
Support the natural spider mite killers! Such as predatory mites. When using sprays, pay attention to products that protect beneficial insects and at the same time prevent cucumber diseases.
If the natural balance is right and the cucumbers receive the right care, there are enough natural enemies such as predatory mites, wasps, ladybirds, ground beetles, hoverflies and lacewings.
Tips & Tricks
An herb has grown against every cucumber pest. You can place pots of herbs like dill, chives, or garlic between the cucumber plants. Additionally spread clove powder on the potting soil.
