Some of the most common pests that attack cucumbers are spider mites and aphids.
These insects cause significant damage to plants, weakening them and reducing yields.
Spider mites weave a fine web that covers leaves and stems, and aphids suck the juices out of the plant, causing it to wither.
Controlling these pests requires a comprehensive approach that includes both chemical and natural methods.
Chemicals against spider mites
To combat spider mites, acaricides are often used - special preparations aimed at destroying mites.
One of the most effective is Fitoverm. It is a biological insecticide that affects the nervous system of pests, causing their paralysis and death.
The preparation is applied by spraying plants. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and carry out the treatment in windless weather.
Another effective drug is Actofit. It is also a biological agent and has low toxicity for humans.
The drug penetrates the cuticle of insects and disrupts their metabolism, which leads to their death.
The treatment should be carried out several times at intervals of 7-10 days to achieve the best result.
Natural Methods to Control Spider Mites
For those who prefer to use natural methods, there are various home remedies. One of them is garlic infusion.
To prepare it, you need to crush several cloves of garlic and pour water over them.
The infusion is left to infuse for 24 hours, after which it can be used to spray plants.
Garlic has strong antiseptic properties, which helps repel pests.
Another effective natural remedy is a soap solution. To prepare it, you need to dilute laundry soap in water until thick foam forms.
This solution is applied to the affected plants. The soap creates a film on the leaves that prevents the insects from breathing and causes their death.
Control of aphids with chemicals
Insecticides are widely used to combat aphids. One of the most popular preparations is Actara.
It penetrates the plant and affects the nervous system of insects, causing their paralysis.
The preparation is applied by spraying or watering plants. It is important to follow the dosage specified in the instructions so as not to harm the plant.
Another effective remedy is Confidor. It has a systemic effect, penetrating the plant and making it inedible for insects.
Confidor treatment is also carried out by spraying or watering. It is important to carry out the treatment in the morning or evening hours to avoid rapid evaporation of the preparation.
Natural remedies against aphids
Among the natural means of combating aphids, tobacco infusion can be singled out.
To prepare it, you need to pour boiling water over the tobacco and let it sit for several hours.
The infusion is then filtered and used to spray plants. Tobacco contains alkaloids that repel aphids and other pests.
Another effective method is to use a nettle decoction. Nettle is poured with hot water and infused for several days.
The resulting infusion is used to spray plants. Nettle contains substances that strengthen plants and make them less attractive to aphids.
Preventive measures
To prevent the appearance of spider mites and aphids, it is important to carry out preventive measures.
Regular inspection of plants helps to identify pests at an early stage and take measures to destroy them.
It is also important to follow agricultural practices: water the plants correctly, provide them with sufficient lighting and ventilation.
Healthy and strong plants are less susceptible to pest attacks and can cope with them more easily.
Earlier we talked about how to feed cucumbers with yeast.
