How can cucumbers be cured of spider mites using folk remedies? - briefly
A dilute neem‑oil spray (≈1 ml per litre of water) applied to cucumber foliage every 5–7 days eradicates spider mites while remaining safe for the plant. Complementary treatments such as mild soap‑water rinses, garlic‑chili infusions, or diatomaceous‑earth dustings further suppress the pests and deter reinfestation.
How can cucumbers be cured of spider mites using folk remedies? - in detail
Cucumber plants frequently suffer from spider‑mite infestations, which cause stippling, leaf discoloration, and reduced yield. Traditional household approaches can suppress populations without resorting to synthetic pesticides.
Cultural measures reduce mite pressure. Remove weeds and debris that harbor pests, and rotate crops annually to interrupt life cycles. Maintain adequate spacing between rows to improve air circulation and lower leaf temperature, conditions that deter mite reproduction.
Topical treatments derived from common kitchen ingredients provide direct contact toxicity. Effective preparations include:
- Diluted insecticidal soap: mix 1 % (≈ 10 ml) liquid castile soap with 1 L water; spray until foliage is thoroughly wetted.
- Garlic extract: blend 5 cloves garlic with 250 ml water, steep 24 h, strain, then add 1 % (≈ 10 ml) vegetable oil as an emulsifier before application.
- Tobacco infusion: steep 30 g dried tobacco leaves in 1 L warm water for 12 h, filter, dilute to 0.5 % with water, and spray.
- Chili pepper spray: combine 2 tbsp ground chili with 500 ml water, add 1 % (≈ 5 ml) mild liquid soap, let stand 12 h, strain, then apply.
- Neem oil solution: blend 2 ml cold‑pressed neem oil, 1 % (≈ 10 ml) mild soap, and 1 L water; spray in early morning or late afternoon.
Each spray should cover both upper and lower leaf surfaces, where mites reside. Apply at 5‑day intervals until mite activity ceases, then shift to a biweekly schedule for preventive maintenance throughout the growing season. Avoid application during peak sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
Monitoring remains essential. Inspect leaves daily, focusing on the undersides, and adjust treatment frequency based on observed mite density. Combining cultural practices with the listed botanical sprays offers an integrated, low‑cost strategy for managing spider‑mite outbreaks on cucumber crops.