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 the whitish web that is typical for them. This is how you get rid of the pests quickly.

The common spider mite - Tetranychus urticae - are yellowish green or reddish brown tiny arachnids. They crawl on four pairs of legs. As with all mite species, the head, thorax and abdomen form an oval body. They pierce the plant cells with their bristle-like mouthparts and suck out the cell sap.

This is how spider mites can be recognized on cucumbers

First, small, bright, pinprick spots on the leaves are visible. These increase quickly. In the advanced stage, the leaves turn yellow to grey-brown, dry up and die. In addition, the young cucumber shoots are covered with a fine, whitish web. If you examine infested leaves under a magnifying glass, countless spherical spider mites are visible on the underside of the leaves. For these two reasons, spider mites are particularly common on cucumbers in the greenhouse

  • too little humidity
  • too much nitrogen in the soil

Effective 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 do without the use of chemicals. Rinse the affected cucumber plants vigorously with lukewarm water. Especially on the underside of the leaves. Then pack in a large transparent plastic bag for 2 days. The humid climate kills the spider mites and the cucumber plants gradually recover.

Spraying the plants with nettle decoction 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, look for products that protect beneficial insects and at the same time prevent cucumber diseases.

If the natural balance is right and the cucumbers get the right care, there are enough natural enemies such as predatory mites, wasps, ladybirds, ground beetles, hoverflies and lacewings.

tips and tricks

There is a herb against every cucumber pest. You can place pots of herbs like dill, chives, or garlic among the cucumber plants. Also distribute clove powder on the potting soil.

Category:

Vegetable garden