How to treat spider mite on cucumbers in a greenhouse at home? - briefly
Wash cucumber vines with a strong water spray, then treat foliage with neem oil or a registered horticultural acaricide at the recommended concentration, repeating every 5–7 days. Add biological control agents such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and keep greenhouse humidity above 60 % to suppress mite reproduction.
How to treat spider mite on cucumbers in a greenhouse at home? - in detail
Spider mite infestations on cucumber plants cultivated in a home greenhouse develop rapidly under warm, dry conditions. The pests feed on leaf tissue, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop, which reduces yield and plant vigor.
Preventive actions reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. Maintain relative humidity above 60 % by misting or using a humidifier; increase air circulation with fans to disrupt mite movement. Clean the greenhouse structure and equipment before planting, and introduce cucumber seedlings that have been inspected for pests.
Regular scouting is essential. Examine the undersides of leaves every 3–5 days with a hand lens. Look for tiny moving specks, webbing, or stippled foliage. Early detection allows treatment before population explosion.
Cultural practices that limit mite reproduction include:
- Removing and destroying heavily infested leaves.
- Pruning excess foliage to improve airflow.
- Rotating crops each season, avoiding consecutive cucumber planting.
- Using reflective mulches to repel mites and deter colonization.
Biological agents provide effective, residue‑free control. Apply the following organisms according to label instructions:
- Phytoseiulus persimilis – predatory mite that consumes all life stages of spider mites.
- Neoseiulus californicus – hardy predator suitable for higher temperature ranges.
- Amblyseius swirskii – generalist predator useful when other pests are present. Release rates should match infestation density; reapply weekly until mite numbers decline.
When biological control is insufficient, low‑toxicity chemicals may be employed. Preferred options are:
- Neem oil, diluted to 0.5 % v/v, sprayed on both leaf surfaces until runoff.
- Insecticidal soap, 2 % solution, applied in the early morning or late evening to avoid leaf burn.
- Horticultural oil, 1 % concentration, for severe cases, with a 7‑day interval between applications.
After each treatment, rinse plants with clean water to remove residue, and monitor for re‑infestation. Rotate between biological and low‑toxicity chemical methods to prevent resistance development. Maintain optimal greenhouse conditions—temperature 22–26 °C, humidity 60–70 %—to support plant health and discourage mite proliferation.