Red Spider Mite infestation

cobham

Sadly I have a very large amount of box hedging badly affected by this mite. I am looking up recipes for a natural spray and see one that includes alcohol which is to be found as 'surgical spirits'. Can this be had anywhere in a decent quantity? I tried one chemist and they only had a 100ml size bottle to offer.

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058423908/red-spider-mite-infestation

Your chemist can order larger quantities. Methylated spirits will do much the same thing and probably easier to get from the chemist in 5l.

Rubbing alcohol is IPA isopropyl alcohol (~70% + water + additives) its much easier to get hold of.

Nearly pure IPA on amazon 5l less than €25 https://www.amazon.ie/GiDeli-Isopropanol-Percentage-Electronic-Components/dp/B0FJ659S33

cobham

I tracked a supplier of 5 litres bottle to Galway but for collection only as liquid deemed flammable! Must be somewhere in Dublin? I wonder will the cold weather knock them back?

laros

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123807405#Comment_123807405

Heres a supplier in Dublin …. https://rpmsupplies.com/product/i-p-a-isopropyl-alchohol/

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123807405#Comment_123807405

Yes cold weather they don't like at all, also don't be afraid to powerhose the hedge either, this works against box moth caterpillar too.

greasepalm

Are you sure its RSM as they like warm and dry spots whereas Mealy bug shelter under the leaves and are white in colour and make your skin itch if you rub up against them.

How about a something like BUG CLEAR ULTRA which gets absorbed into it and kills the bugs for over 2 weeks.

cobham

This really took off in the dry spell we had in July/August. I think the spider one is correct… can see the webbing. I am trying to avoid harsh chemicals hence trying the more natural recipe that includes alcohol/peroxide/castile soap/peppermint and teatree.

greasepalm

Can you do a photo as the leaves should be damaged with RSM killing the cells.

I had RSM on cucumbers in a greenhouse and all the cells got killed on the leaves and webbing everywhere.

I would have thought our climate outdoors would not suit them.

Even a power hose on reduced pressure would help and cooler weather is coming .

cobham

It is something to watch out for if our summers are to as hot as past one. I dont have power hose

red spider.jpeg

. Only use water butt and saved water from house to keep vulnerable stuff going in drought so had neglected the hedging. The spray mix will deal with aphids and black fly though for some reason less of those this past summer.

standardg60

I'd be double checking that's not box moth caterpillar as it's very similar to the pic on the other thread.

cobham

Would the caterpillars not be visible? I am wondering if I should trim back hedging of the deleafed section. It would reduce area to spray… supposed to do every few days.

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123809124#Comment_123809124

No, they wrap themselves in webbing not dissimilar to RSM, you have to untangle it to find them. They are black and green.

As I said a power hose is the best way to clear all the crap but a stiff yard brush might work too, then you can see what you're dealing with.

cobham

Ah I spotted one black and green chap! I wonder if I could have both infestations? will go read up on the caterpillar one…. maybe the same spray mix will see them off as well.

howbertandmays.ie/blogs/news/box-moth-caterpillars-raving-box-plants-in-south-dublin?srsltid=AfmBOoobcEiM_ZZ_8YssXf3XUogJ1SBAMrzTeo8QN-yUMRGIdk4IXP1l

cobham

Some suggested vacuum them off!