Giant pumpkin mites

[copper2]

I'm growing a Atlantic giant pumpkin, and it's leaves are curling up and browning, it hasn't started to vine yet, and is only producing male flowers. I checked the bottom of the leaves and there tiny things on it not aphids, spider mites?

 

[lazy gardener]

try doing a google search for pics to see if they match what you're seeing.

 

[copper2]

Think there mites. How do I get rid of ants? And my garden beds are off the ground so I used store bought soil, no earthworms! What type of earthworms do I have to stock?

 

[lazy gardener]

Just dig some out of the ground. Spider mites should succumb to a gentle soapy water solution. Try Ivory. Or buy Safer's insecticidal spray.

 

[copper2]

I recently ordered some ladybugs they should be here soon( aphids!) will they eat spider mites too?

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm guessing so. But those spider mites breed like crazy, so I'd go ahead and hit them with the soap. There'll still be plenty of bugs left for the Ladies.

 

[shortgrass]

Oh my yes, ladybugs LOVE mites! Green lacewings are awesome too

You can also try Neem... The clarified hydrophobic extract will kill the mites, any possible fungus, and more, and it WON'T harm the bees, worms, or beneficials Cold pressed Neem oil will go systematic and repel any more insects. You can harvest within 24 hours of using Neem, too... Very safe stuff; its really the only thing I will use without restraint