From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Michigan

I have the tiniest little red specks/bugs all over my pumpkin and some of the leaves. We sprayed with Seven 2 nights ago, but that didn't seem to stop them. What are these? And what kind of damage will they do?

~Jessica

7/21/2006 9:30:15 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Sounds like spider mites. If you look under the leaves is there a fine spider webbing? Insecticidal soap will work but I have never been able to rid myself of them completely. If you keep them in check you should be okay and I don't believe the soap doesn't will burn.

7/22/2006 12:13:12 AM

Michigan

yes, fine spider webbing on leaves as well as in one of the deeper ribs on my pumpkin

7/22/2006 9:20:26 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Sevin makes mite problems worse by killing beneficial insects that feed on mites. You may be looking at Southern Red Mites or European Red Mites. You will need a real miticide either way. Make sure when you're shopping to specifiy European Red Mites since some active ingredients are weak on this mite. Abamectin comes to mind as having trouble with Reds. Read the label to be sure.

7/22/2006 8:15:20 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

First always do what Steve says!

Tremor, would the insectidal soap kill the mites or was I off base? I am pretty sure I used it before but obviously your suggestion would be much more effective and apparently targeted.

7/22/2006 8:40:46 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Soap kills mites. But if it's real hot, will toast the plants too.

7/22/2006 10:03:07 PM

Michigan

thanks all! Will avoid the Sevin and the soap, definately HOT here

~Jessica

7/23/2006 10:18:32 AM

President - GPC

I used the OrthoMAX in the red bottle ( Esfenvalerate @ .0033%) ( Biferin is what its supposed to be (TREMOR??) for the mites...it says it kills 100+ insects.....doesnt really say anywheres not to apply it in high temps but we sprayed it on the underside and tops of the leaves just enough to make it wet....temp was around 87. Two days later no leaf damage yet and the leaves seem to look better......Today we hit it with Merit and sprayed 10-12 foot perimeter and watered in the 1/2-3/4 inch......Guess that the best we could do....Time will tell.

7/23/2006 5:09:07 PM