Topic: RSM - be on your guard!

[tim]

On cus, at least - watch out for the first signs.

First, the first signs. Then the mites themselves - you can just see them at the leaf/stem joint.

[moonbells]

And just to be a predictable reply, I noticed mine had come back with a vengeance last weekend. Predator people are overloaded at the moment and I didn't get a dose of them till Thursday despite ringing 9am Monday.

Blasted things. They'd got onto the aubs as well. They eat patches on those. And they also like stephanotis, which is a real pest as I'd just got mine to flower again  :(

Hey ho. Best of luck!

moonbells

[tim]

Forgot to say that the reason the mites in the photo aren't moving is that I sprayed with Defenders' Eradicoat. It's been too cold at night for predators.

[moonbells]

How good is Eradicoat please? I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I guess it's a good way of catching minor infestations organically.

My minimum temp in the conservatory is about 18-19^oC which does mean the predators are more or less warm enough. They definitely are in the daytime! (temps can get up to 40^oC, though only when Sir forgets to open the inner door...)

Wish I knew why the previous owners went for a conservatory with no small windows. The only ones we can open are large enough to let someone get in (assuming they don't mind climbing through a cucumber and a dozen chillies!) and with them shut for security, ventilation is dreadful. Still, humidity gets pretty high (which the plants and predators love).

moonbells

[tim]

Eradicoat? Not fully proven here, but it seems to have done its stuff on the first try.

[tim]

Second thoughts!

Shame about my eyesight - I think they've taken over, & it's a long wait for predators, by which time it will again be too cold for them at night!!

I believe that Eradicoat would be fine if you were not dealing with such a jungle.
But my second sowing is coming on fine.