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fishoifc
06-12-2009, 07:26 PM
hey guys its tournament time and I am not home much,when I left about a week ago I noticed this plant was in trouble.It has tiny bugs and webs,I have been fighting these guys for a long time.last week most of the leaves were healthy except for the bugs so I wiped every thing down with soapy water.It is not possible to see in the pics but warm soapy water must have caused the bugs to fall in love because now there are thousands.Can this plant be saved and how can I get rid of these bugs Thanks for any http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=18294&size=1[/url[url=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18293&ppuser=3890]http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=18293&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18294&ppuser=3890)

proletariatcsp
06-12-2009, 07:50 PM
There are a number of natural products that kill Spider Mites. And then there are chemical products for indoor use like Bayer, Seven, etc. Just make sure if you have children or pets, you spray the plant down outside and let it drip dry before it comes back in. Neem Oil is a non-chemical product that seems to be safe to use often, but it won't do much when your infected that bad. You'll probably need a stronger chemical product for now.

From your pics, it looks like your plant is definitely in need of more light and a pebble tray for adding humidity would be very beneficial.

Just be sure to check back to see what products the other members recommend too!
Good luck with you banana,

Chris in FL.

Bananaman88
06-12-2009, 10:22 PM
At this point, I'd take it outside, cut off all the leaves and give the remaining pseudostem a good spray (even if it's only with water). Those leave are all goners anyhow and removing them will get rid of 99% of the mites. The problem may arise when you move it back in the house. If you have other plants, the mites will likely be on them as well and could reinfest your Ensete, so they'll need treating too. Coincidently, there was an article on dealing with spider mites in the first issue of Bananas Quarterly. Have you subscribed?

Bob
06-13-2009, 06:00 AM
First what kind of tournaments? Shark, tuna? Regardless, good luck and I'm jealous you get out that much.
Second, yup classic spider mite damge . I'd agree with bananaman88 and bring it out cut the leaves off and give it a solid spray with a hose. I'd then soak it with store bought insecticidal soap. If you can provide more humidity indoors it will really help too. I learned that one the hard way this past winter.

fishoifc
06-13-2009, 08:51 AM
Thanks guys,I have to leave tomorrow so I will take it outside cut it up and spray it down.The bugs are in the house so I guess everything will get a soaking.These guys work fast they use to only be a few now there thick.this plant does not get enough light but thats were it lives so it is really stretched out. Yes I have not yet subscribed but I do want to I will get on that soon. Bob, Iam fishing for Marlin,just got back from Big Rock, heading to the Hatteras marlin club tourny tomorrow. Thanks guys for the Help.