What folk remedy can be used to spray cucumbers for spider mite control? - briefly
A garlic‑water spray—1 tablespoon of finely minced garlic blended with 1 liter of water, strained, and optionally mixed with a few drops of mild liquid soap—effectively controls spider mites on cucumber plants. Apply to foliage every 5–7 days until the infestation subsides.
What folk remedy can be used to spray cucumbers for spider mite control? - in detail
A time‑tested approach for managing spider mites on cucumber vines relies on a simple aqueous infusion of household items. The mixture combines mild soap, a natural oil, and an acidic component, each contributing a specific action against the pest.
- Mild liquid soap (e.g., castile or pure dish soap) at 1 % concentration reduces surface tension, allowing the spray to coat the leaf underside where mites reside.
- Vegetable oil (such as neem, sunflower, or canola) at 0.5 % acts as a suffocating agent, blocking the mites’ spiracles.
- White vinegar or lemon juice added at 0.5 % supplies acidity that disrupts mite metabolism without harming the plant.
To prepare the spray, dissolve 10 ml of soap in one litre of warm water, stir in 5 ml of oil, and add 5 ml of vinegar or lemon juice. Mix thoroughly, then pour into a clean spray bottle. Apply the solution to the entire cucumber plant, emphasizing the undersides of leaves, every 5–7 days until populations decline. Early‑season applications are most effective, as they prevent rapid mite reproduction.
Safety considerations: test the spray on a small leaf area 24 hours before full application to verify that foliage tolerates the formulation. Avoid use during extreme heat or direct sunlight, as the mixture can cause leaf scorch. Store any unused solution in a sealed container for no longer than one week, shaking before each use to maintain emulsion stability.