Spider mite in a greenhouse: measures to combat a dangerous greenhouse inhabitant
Spider mite most often attacks plants in a greenhouse. You can find out that he appeared on the thin web that envelops the leaves of vegetables. If a spider mite appears, the struggle in the greenhouse will be serious, otherwise the entire crop will die.
Content
- Description of the spider mite
- How to understand that there is a tick in the greenhouse
- Why are spider mites dangerous?
- Where the parasite hibernates in a greenhouse
- How to treat a greenhouse from a spider mite
- Preparing the greenhouse for pest control
- Features of greenhouse processing at different times of the year
- Prevention of the appearance of spider mites in the greenhouse
Description of the spider mite
Spider mites are arachnids that are difficult to see with the naked eye. The pests are about 0,5 mm in size and are only visible at high magnification. The first spring spider mites that emerged from their wintering grounds are brick red in color. On the other hand, the following summer generations are yellow-green and have two characteristic spots on the sides of the body.
How to understand that there is a tick in the greenhouse
Spider mite.
Spider mites are found both in greenhouses and in the open field. The spider mite feeds on the underside of the leaves, causing small yellow spots to appear on the outside. Over time, the number of spots increases, merging into larger surfaces. Leaves that are severely affected turn yellow and turn brown, which in turn leads to their death.
Spider mites leave small threads in their feeding areas. Harmfulness of parasites consists in sucking the juice of leaves and stems, heavily infected plants grow poorly and give low yields of poor quality. Dry and hot weather favors the development of spider mites.
Why are spider mites dangerous?
Where the parasite hibernates in a greenhouse
The spider mite overwinters in the greenhouse under the remains of plants, in mats, in the crevices of the building and in the upper soil layer, no deeper than 60 mm. At temperatures above 25-30 ℃ and relative humidity of 30-50%, it is activated and multiplies in 7-9 days, going through full development.
How to treat a greenhouse from a spider mite
To combat the spider mite in the greenhouse, chemical, biological, agrotechnical and folk methods are used. Sometimes they are combined for greater efficiency. Choose the most appropriate method depending on the degree of contamination of the greenhouse.
Chemicals
To combat the tick, ready-made products are used - acaricides and insectoacaricides.
These are dangerous drugs for human health, therefore, when working with them, it is imperative to use personal protective equipment: gloves, a respirator, goggles. It is also necessary to strictly adhere to the instructions for using the drug. Usually a solution is used, which is used to process everything in a greenhouse.
Biological methods
The most safe and effective method of biological control is the Phytosailus mite. The predator destroys the eggs of the spider.
- Phytosailus is placed in cultures adjacent to the lesions.
- Repotting should be done every 20 days.
Agrotechnical methods of struggle
Compliance with simple agrotechnical rules will allow you to grow vegetables in a greenhouse without pests:
- the spider mite does not tolerate high humidity, so it is recommended to increase it by regularly spraying the plants;
- dig the ground in the greenhouse 2 times a year;
- weed regularly, remove plant debris outside the greenhouse.
Traditional recipes
There are non-chemical methods of pest control. These arachnids prefer dry air, so increasing the humidity around the plant can limit their development.
If the number of pests is small, you can reduce their appearance by spraying the plants with clean water or water with a detergent (eg soap).
Preparing the greenhouse for pest control
In order to have a good effect from the treatment against the tick, you need to carry out the correct preparatory work:
- remove all plant debris from the greenhouse immediately;
- remove all equipment and containers for irrigation from the greenhouse;
- remove the top layer of soil by 5-7 cm;
- wash the greenhouse with warm water;
- wash all surfaces and frame with a solution of laundry soap or potassium permanganate;
- after the greenhouse dries, coat the wooden frame with slaked lime, the metal frame with kerosene.
Features of greenhouse processing at different times of the year
At different times of the year, it is necessary to prepare a greenhouse for treatment against a tick in different ways.
Prevention of the appearance of spider mites in the greenhouse
Instead of choosing the best way to get rid of a tick infestation, it is better to think about how to prevent it. There are several methods of dealing with dangerous parasites. Experienced vegetable growers recommend a number of agrotechnical measures:
- after harvesting, the stems, leaves and roots of plants are destroyed,
- the soil is carefully dug up before sowing, as pests hide in the ground in winter,
- regularly remove and destroy weeds, because ticks live on them,
- the affected leaves are regularly cut off and then burned;
- sowing culture after favorable predecessors: various types of cabbage and tomatoes;
- it is not recommended to plant a crop in the same area for several years.