Black midges on tomatoes: the best folk remedies for insect control

Why do midges appear on tomatoes?

When small midges appear on tomatoes, it is necessary to react as quickly as possible and take measures to destroy the pest. These insects appear and also actively spread in high humidity and extreme heat. This environment is created by inexperienced gardeners or in a greenhouse.

Black and white insects cause equally great damage to plants; in addition, they are quite difficult to fight, especially in advanced cases.

The midge reproduces incredibly quickly, it attacks all the green parts of the plant, sucking the juices out of it, and having destroyed one bush, it immediately moves to the next. There are several varieties of this pest, but all belong to the same species - aphids.

Why are there small midges in indoor flowers?

It is important not to forget that excessively moist soil is the best place for midges to exist and reproduce.

So, if you do not want to breed white bugs in the soil of indoor plants, then you should not neglect attention to the soil in pots

Secondary reasons for the appearance of harmful insects include:

• Pouring low-quality soil into flower pots. It leads to an invasion of harmful midges, the larvae of which will already live in the soil. As a result, you will need to quickly look for ways to get rid of the emerging parasites.
• The appearance of insects can be facilitated by transplanting plants into huge pots. The soil at the bottom of the flower pot is most saturated with moisture, only the root system of the plant does not reach there. High humidity is a suitable breeding ground for pests.
• The use of organic fertilizers will also encourage the appearance of bugs. Even if the soil is watered moderately, the presence of organic impurities will attract midges, which will settle well on the indoor plant.
• A fly can fly into an apartment from another living space, from the basement, through ventilation or an exhaust pipe. Moreover, the flying insects immediately find suitable flower pots with abundantly moistened soil.

Types and signs of parasitism

Small insects can cause irreparable damage to crops both outdoors and in the greenhouse. You should inspect the plants daily, paying especially close attention to young seedlings, which quickly die when attacked by midges of any variety.

On tomatoes, two similar species are most often found - white aphids and black aphids. They differ in color and body structure, but they cause equally strong damage. To determine the infestation and take action in time, the easiest way is to shake the tomato bush, then the midge will fly into the air.

White midges whiteflies

On the bottom of the leaf it is easy to notice small white flies - these are whiteflies. They have transparent wings, the body is less than 3 mm. These insects jump and fly well, so they quickly infect plantings.

Most often this pest appears in greenhouses, although it is also found in open plantings. Like other types of aphids, the whitefly sucks the juices from the plant, resulting in curling of the leaves, drying out of individual parts, falling flowers, or the absence of ovaries on tomatoes altogether. In addition, black or brown spots appear.

Black

Black midges on tomatoes are common and multiply incredibly quickly. Tomato aphids are a little different, as there are many varieties. Regardless of the presence of wings or size, the insect quickly destroys the plantings and the plants die.

Dark midges are much smaller, their body grows no more than 2 mm in length, and up to 5 generations of insects are born in one season. Aphids lay eggs for the winter in old bark, foliage, and other secluded places. At the same time, they are not afraid of frost. In the spring, larvae hatch from the clutch, develop quickly, and reproduce without fertilization at high speed.

Characteristics of the pest

The winged aphid is an insect 1-2 mm in length, with a black body and transparent wings. Adults, like larvae, feed on the sap of cultivated and weed plants, hiding on the underside of leaves. The insect reproduces intensively; up to 5 generations of midges can hatch in a season. Thanks to their wings, pests easily move from bush to bush, spreading throughout the planting.

The danger of winged aphids for tomatoes

A rapidly growing population of midges can cause serious damage to tomato beds, depleting individual bushes until the plants die. In addition, pests are carriers of viruses and leave honeydew on plants - a favorable environment for the proliferation of fungi. With significant leafhopper infestation, the loss of tomato yield can be about 30%.

Signs of damage to tomatoes by winged aphids:

• wilting and curling of the lower leaves;
• black sticky marks on the plant;
• dark spots on stems;
• the appearance of a dry brown crust at the site of the stains.

How to distinguish from a tomato mosquito

Black midges may turn out to be representatives of another species - the mushroom or tomato gnat. The insect more often appears on seedlings, while the peak reproduction of winged aphids occurs during the flowering period of tomatoes, but if the soil is excessively moistened, the pest can appear in the greenhouse at any stage of plant development.

The fungus gnat looks like a larger black midge than the leafhopper, reaching 3-4 mm in length. Adults also drink plant juice, preferring the tender tissue of the apical shoots, so they can damage the growing point of tomatoes. But the greatest damage to tomatoes is caused by the insect larva. Midges lay transparent white eggs in the ground, from which white worms from 3 to 8 mm in length with a black head emerge. In this phase, insects constantly live in the soil, feeding on plant roots, after which they pupate.

The tomato mosquito is less dangerous for tomatoes than the winged aphid; it poses the greatest threat to young plants with an undeveloped root system. Minor damage to the roots is unlikely to have a significant effect on the condition of adult tomatoes. But pests should not be ignored - a large accumulation of larvae in the soil can lead to slow growth of bushes, absence or weak formation of ovaries. In addition, the tomato mosquito is a carrier of bacteria.

On a note! The presence of a large number of ants near the tomato plantings speaks in favor of aphid damage.

How to distinguish from a tomato mosquito?

You should get rid of pests immediately, but first of all, you need to determine exactly who is spoiling the crop. The tomato mosquito is very similar to the winged aphid, but it does a little less harm. The main difference between pests is the breeding season. The mosquito most often attacks seedlings, since it appears precisely during this period of time, while aphids hatch during the flowering period.

The mosquito is twice as large as the aphid; it damages the plant in a similar way, drinking the juice, but prefers to start from the top of the bush . The mosquito larvae are located in the ground, and therefore can damage the tomato from the root, especially if there are a large number of worms reaching 8 mm in length. They feed on roots, and therefore it is important to be more careful.

When the tomato has grown, the roots have become stronger, the tomato mosquito will not cause much harm to the plant, however, it is necessary to control the insect population, no matter what, because it is a pest.

How to destroy black midges using folk methods?

Since the treatment of tomatoes and other crops with chemicals during fruit ripening is undesirable, most summer residents prefer to destroy midges using traditional methods.

The following are very popular among farmers:

• decoction of celandine;
• dandelion tincture;
• mustard, red pepper and garlic;
• vinegar solution.

A decoction of celandine quickly kills black midges. It must be made from green leaves and branches of the plant.

1. Collect 400 g of raw materials, fill it with 1 liter of water and leave for a day. When the liquid is infused, put it on the fire and boil for 30 minutes on a minimum flame.
2. Turn off, let the broth cool on its own, strain through a piece of gauze and dilute the infusion in 10 liters of water.
3. Place the liquid in the cellar for 2 days and spray each tomato bush 2-3 times at intervals of 5 days.

Black winged and wingless midges do not tolerate dandelion juice, so it can be used to make an excellent remedy for its destruction. Collect 1 kg of roots and leaves of the plant, pour 10 liters of boiling water over them, cover with a lid and leave for a day, placing it closer to heat. To improve the infusion's ability to repel midges, add 1 tbsp. l. red pepper and the same amount of grated laundry soap. Use to treat tomatoes and the soil around them.

Pepper, mustard and garlic are natural poisons for pests. To prepare the product, peel 5 large cloves of garlic, grind them in a mortar and combine with 20 g of ground red pepper and 3 tbsp. l. mustard powder. Pour the components into 5 liters of water at room temperature and leave for at least 3 days. Then strain and sprinkle the solution on each plant and the ground underneath it.

The acidic environment provided by table vinegar is detrimental to midges. But in order not to burn the tender leaves of the tomatoes, the solution should be made of a weak consistency. 1 tbsp will be enough. l. per liter of water.

Whitefly specimen

How dangerous are insects?

In addition to the fact that black flies on tomatoes in a greenhouse or open ground are capable of sucking out all the juices, curling the leaves, and destroying the ovaries, they can infect all plants with other dangerous diseases.

Young plants are most susceptible to attack; they have not yet grown strong, and the roots have not gained strength. Fungal and bacterial infections, along with aphids, will completely destroy the plant.

Parasites are dangerous for tomatoes not only in adulthood. At the larval stage, they secrete a sticky, waxy liquid that prevents the plant from developing normally. As a result, it becomes more difficult to control aphids.

For an adult, strong tomato bush, aphids are not so terrible; it is difficult for the insect to bite through the hardened parts of the plant. However, mature fruits may suffer and develop unsightly black spots caused by insect waste.

Video "Struggle"

From the video you will learn how to fight aphids.

If you notice that black midges have appeared on tomatoes growing in your beds, then get ready to fight for the harvest - you have been visited by aphids, one of the most famous and dangerous pests of garden and vegetable plants. Don't be surprised by their appearance - black midges with or without transparent wings are one of the subspecies of the well-known aphid. The only difference is in appearance. It will harm the plant no less than its more famous “sister”, which has a pale green color - it will suck out the juices, while actively multiplying and increasing its ranks, which is why the plant will die. Having destroyed the affected plant, the aphid will move to the neighboring one, and thus destroy all available bushes.

How to get rid of black midges?

There are several ways to fight. The first, most accessible, is to destroy aphids with your own hands, without the use of auxiliary means. If insects have not yet infested your garden, and you observe small clusters of them, try washing them off with a stream of water from a hose or remove them by hand, examining each bush. On bushes, including tomatoes, black midges have the largest concentrations on the underside of leaves.

Another method that does not require costs is to destroy aphids, “using the services” of other insects that feed on them, and small birds. Some wasps, lacewings, hoverflies and ladybugs are not averse to feasting on aphids. Contrary to popular belief, ants do not eat aphids. On the contrary, they protect it, using it as a source of food - a sweetish liquid that aphids secrete when eating young leaves of plants. To attract aphids in the fight against aphids, plant fragrant herbs. Unfortunately, this method is also effective only if you find black midges on tomatoes in small quantities.

One of the best ways to prevent aphid invasion is to plant plants in the beds so that crops on which this insect does not settle alternate with varieties that are interesting to it. For example, garlic and onions repel aphids.

If there are large numbers of black midges on tomatoes, you will still have to fight it using various chemicals by spraying the leaves of the plant with them. You can use special commercially produced aphid control products. To avoid harming the plant, it is better to use milder organic pesticides and insecticides. For example, products based on vegetable oils, fatty acids or pyrethrins. In addition, you can create such products yourself, using substances available in every home.

If there are black midges on tomatoes in your garden, then prepare the products described above and treat the plants with them every few days until the pest completely disappears. Do not forget that the described preparations can destroy not only the pest, but also beneficial insects, so it is better to do the treatment in the evening, when the insects that pollinate your plants have already finished their work.

A midge that appears on tomatoes requires a prompt response from the gardener. Even at the initial stage of its development, this parasite poses a serious threat to seedlings and future harvests. Regardless of the type of parasite that attacked the greenhouse or vegetable garden, the gardener will have to fight aphids. Before taking any action, it is necessary to study the situation. Ill-considered actions pose a greater danger than the insect itself.

How to deal with the pest?

It’s easy to defeat the pest at home; the main thing is to do the procedure in a timely manner, treat all parts of the plant, not only the foliage, but also the trunk. For a greenhouse, control methods are practically the same.

Chemicals

The most common chemical control method is spraying. There are a large number of different drugs that will help cope with black aphids. You need to spray tomatoes against black midges according to the instructions on the packaging, which are present on any preparation.

Systemic chemical products will be most effective; it is best to use enteric contact agents Aktaru and Decis.

Specialized means

Insect control can be more severe or using gentle insecticides of organic origin. To treat tomatoes, preparations based on vegetable oils and acids are used. The most popular among them are Fitoverm, Aktafit.

When handling, it is important to strictly follow safety precautions by wearing gloves and a respirator. Repeat spraying twice, taking weekly breaks between them. During the tomato ripening period, the plants are not treated with chemicals.

Folk recipes

If time is not lost, the aphids have not spread much on the plants, then folk remedies may well help. The treatment will have to be carried out several times, but this will protect the future harvest from the effects of chemicals.

1. Treatment with soap and ash are the most universal methods of combating aphids. To do this, you need to dissolve 20 g of laundry soap shavings and ¼ kg of tree ash in a bucket of warm water. Then thoroughly spray with this solution, even rinse individual areas of the plants.
2. If you dissolve 1 tbsp. l. table vinegar 9% in a liter of water, you will also get a good solution for fighting insects on tomatoes.
3. The following composition is infused for about three days: dissolve 2 tbsp in a bucket of hot water. l. red chili pepper, 6 tbsp. l. dry mustard, two chopped heads of garlic. This method involves bathing tomato tops in a solution; it is especially important to treat the lower part of the plants.
4. Taking 4 kg of celandine branches, you need to fill them with a bucket of water, leave for a day, then bring to a boil, steam over low heat for half an hour. Strain the mixture, dilute 1 liter of decoction with 10 liters of water. After another two days, spray the diseased plants; repeat only after a week.

Long-term preparation of folk remedies leads to the fact that during this period the pests spread greatly. Preference should be given to quick ways to solve the problem.

Fumigation of greenhouses

Fumigation can only be done in a greenhouse; this method will not give results in the fresh air. Sulfur is used for combustion; 1 m3 requires 200 g of dry matter. After the procedure, the greenhouse must be closed for at least 4 days. Not only the aphid dies, but also the tomato mosquito. Carry out processing strictly after harvesting.

Biological drugs

Treatment with biological agents is safe for humans, but the result of exposure is somewhat different. One important condition distinguishes them from chemical ones - that it is permissible to pick and eat the fruits after treatment after 2 days. Also, biological products are harmless to animals and bees. The maximum result of their use will be visible after a week.

Entobacterin helps destroy insects at high air temperatures, which is an advantage for the southern regions of the country. And 50 species of different pests die from its influence. The drug Strela will destroy a large number of pests in just 2 days.

Every year, many different biological products appear that help fight pests.

What herbs will help get rid of parasites?

Treatment will not be useful if you plant the necessary herbs next to the tomatoes that can repel pests. Flowering strongly scented plants such as fennel, peppermint or basil will repel aphids. It is useful to sow garlic or cilantro between rows of tomatoes; marigolds will help in the fight against aphids.

What to do with white insects?

Small white insects on tomato bushes are whiteflies. It starts mainly in a greenhouse, since there are all the conditions for it: warmth and moisture. The whitefly is a small butterfly with transparent wings, its size reaches about 3 millimeters. It can be seen on the back side of the leaf plate. In favorable conditions, it actively reproduces, which can subsequently lead to the inevitable death of the cultural planting.

Already formed insects and their larvae feed on plant juices. Subsequently, a white sticky coating can be observed on the foliage of tomatoes - a product of the vital activity of parasites. In addition, the leaves begin to curl and turn yellow, and the fruits ripen unevenly.

The whitefly not only sucks plant juices, but also introduces a dangerous infection called sooty fungus. The disease contributes to disruption of leaf assimilation. The foliage of a diseased plant begins to turn black, dry out, and with the active development of the disease, if it is ignored, the fruits begin to slow down in development and growth, and also stop forming. Subsequently, the bush simply dies.

Fumigation

Fumigation is usually carried out only in greenhouse conditions; for plantings in open ground, this procedure is meaningless and ineffective. To carry out this procedure, sulfur is required at a rate of 200 grams of dry product per cubic meter. After this procedure, the greenhouse must be kept closed for at least 4 days. After this treatment, you will no longer notice insects on your plantings. Plus, fumigation will also save you from the tomato mosquito.

This procedure is carried out 2 times a year. The first time this is done before planting the tomatoes, and the second time strictly after harvesting the fruits.

Chemicals

Chemicals are the most effective means of combating harmful midges. Such drugs can rid a greenhouse of parasites literally after the first use, depending on the severity of the situation. However, they have many disadvantages.

First of all, chemicals tend to accumulate in fruits and plant tissues. And such drugs, if used incorrectly, can cause harm to humans and the plant itself. And also toxic substances eliminate not only parasites, but also beneficial insects that pollinate.

The chemical method of control is considered by many to be radical and is used only in the most advanced cases, when other means no longer help.

So, if you still decide to spray with such means, then we recommend paying attention to such drugs as, for example, “Pegasus”, “Fosbecid”, “Mospilan”, “Fufanon”, “Confidor” and “Aktara”.

Often, in advanced cases, treatment alone is not enough. Many of the above remedies only affect adult flies, while the parasite eggs remain untouched, which requires repeating the procedure. However, do not rush to purchase one specific product. Harmful insects easily get used to the drugs, which is why they lose their effectiveness. In order for the fight against midges to be truly effective, it is recommended to purchase several drugs and then alternate them.

Please note that it is necessary to spray plants in the evening or in cloudy weather so that the plant does not get sunburn. It should be taken into account that chemicals can be used until the buds form. In the future, we will have to resort to other means of struggle.

When processing, we strongly recommend that you follow the dosage of substances, act according to the instructions, adhere to safety rules, and use personal protective equipment, since chemicals can have a negative impact on human health.

Biological products

Biological drugs have many advantages. They are absolutely harmless to humans, bees and animals, and tomatoes can be eaten after processing after 2 days. Such products are effective, but the greatest result of their activity can be seen only 7 days after use.

Nowadays, more and more such drugs appear on the market every year, which are distinguished by their environmental friendliness and effectiveness. These products include “Entobacterin” and “Strela”.

Folk remedies

Many summer residents prefer folk remedies. Their advantage is simplicity, environmental friendliness and financial efficiency. They do not require any special expenses, and you can prepare such products yourself at home. However, it is worth considering that their effectiveness is significantly lower than that of other means. They are appropriate to use only in cases where harmful insects have not had time to breed, as well as for preventive purposes. Otherwise, you will have to resort to other methods of struggle.

If you still decide to use folk remedies, we recommend preparing a solution based on soap and ash. You will need 10 liters of warm water, in which you need to dissolve 20 grams of soap shavings and 250 grams of wood ash. It is necessary to spray sick plants with this product, as well as wipe some areas with it.

Table vinegar with a concentration of 9% is also a good way to combat parasites. You will need a tablespoon of this product and a liter of warm water. All this is mixed and used for spraying.

To combat midges, you can also use an infusion of chili peppers. You will need only 2 tablespoons of the main component, 6 tablespoons of dry mustard, two finely chopped garlic heads and 10 liters of hot water. The composition should sit for 3 days, after which you need to bathe the tomato tops in it, and also pay attention to the lower part of the bush.

Celandine is another product based on which you can make a solution. You only need 4 kilograms of the component, 10 liters of water and a day for a good tincture. Next, the mixture needs to be boiled and steamed over low heat for about 30 minutes. After this, the solution is strained, a liter of tincture is diluted in 10 liters of water, left for another 2 days, after which the affected plants are sprayed 2 times every week.

Measures to save seedlings

If black midge appears on tomato seedlings, then you urgently need to spray the plants with Proteus. Careful treatment of the bushes with folk remedies will help, this will be an infusion of herbs or tobacco, as well as ash or iodine.

Carefully inspect the area and surrounding area; if you find an anthill, remove it immediately. This can be easily done using boiling water or hot ash. There are many ways to fight ants; it is better to use several of them at the same time.

Interesting! In a greenhouse, the best method is fumigation or mechanical removal (in cases where there are few insects).

Saving seedlings

Due to too much watering in cold weather, midges can appear on tomato seedlings. To combat it, folk remedies will help, since chemicals are harmful to young shoots.

Tomato seedlings should be watered with a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar diluted in a liter of water.

Many gardeners, in order to avoid the appearance of midges on young shoots, sprinkle ash on top of the soil in pots. Insects will not be able to hide in the ground and lay eggs.

Prevention

Pests will appear less often in the garden if you use simple prevention methods:

• regular autumn removal of weeds from the site;
• digging up the earth;
• escape in a greenhouse by fumigation with sulfur;
• removal of anthills;
• attracting ladybugs, wasps;
• attracting birds;
• planting useful plants between tomato rows.

Advice! It is important not to flood the plants, and not to overheat the air in greenhouses.

To preserve the harvest, it is important to regularly inspect the bushes, find pests, and take a responsible approach to their removal. Various preventive measures and therapeutic agents are used to help get rid of black midges or whiteflies on tomatoes.

Types of insect control

It is important to note that not all control methods are effective at all stages of insect development. The plaque that forms on the leaves as a result of the vital activity of midges is a barrier against chemical and biological agents. Therefore, to quickly destroy pests, you need to use an integrated approach.

Chemical control methods

Manufacturers annually produce a large number of drugs against pests. Before purchasing the product, you need to study the instructions in order to properly treat the plant. Some drugs only need to be sprayed once, others need to be used regularly.

It is important to choose a drug suitable for a certain stage of insect development. So, moth repellents will not help get rid of larvae and pupae. Spraying is ineffective in controlling adults; they can fly from plant to plant.

Types of chemicals against whiteflies:

• systemic insecticides - the drug penetrates the plant sap and poisons insects;
• contact insecticides - act when the pest comes into direct contact with the treated plant.

Important! Systemic drugs should not be used during the harvest period. The last treatment should be no later than 25-30 days before harvesting the fruits.

The most effective drugs against white midges are:

• "Pegasus";
• "Fufanon";
• "Confidor Extra";
• "Aktara";
• "Mospilan";
• "Decis-pro";
• "Phosbecide";
• "Aktellik".

Processing rules

So:

1. The procedure is carried out on a warm, windless day.
2. Chemicals are applied using a spray bottle.
3. After treatment, you need to bring the plants into the shade or place a canopy over them to avoid burns.
4. Alternate medications regularly.
5. Use a product suitable for the specific stage of insect development.

Important! Do not immediately use strong chemicals; toxic compounds can accumulate in the soil and poison the plants.

Biological drugs

The essence of biological agents is the use of living microorganisms that can resist the action of pests. In the case of whiteflies, manufacturers produce preparations with insects that can eat white midge larvae.

A cardboard with a biological product is hung on tomato bushes. After some time, microorganisms begin to spread throughout the plant, destroying whitefly larvae and pupae.

Fitoverm is considered the most effective biological preparation; after its use, you can harvest within two days. The product contains compounds that quickly decompose in the soil; they do not harm the plant.

Traditional proven methods

Experienced summer residents note that folk remedies can effectively combat pests without developing resistance in them.

These methods include:

1. Cold. Moths do not like low temperatures, so you need to take the seedlings out into the fresh air from time to time. The method is suitable only for cold-resistant varieties; the pest will die only when the temperature drops to +10C.
2. Insect traps. Glue baits, which can be made at home, are especially effective - a sheet of plywood is painted yellow and generously smeared with glue, Vaseline, oil or honey. The bait is placed near the affected plants. You can also hang regular adhesive fly tape.
3. Infusion of yarrow. Pour 1 kg of plant leaves into a bucket of water and leave for two days in a warm place. Then the infusion is filtered. It is used for spraying. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times with an interval of 7 days.
4. Dandelion decoction - pour 1 kg of fresh flowers into 1 bucket of water, add 1 tbsp. washing powder. The mixture is infused for a day, then filtered. Suitable for processing bushes and soil.
5. Soap products - used when there are large numbers of insects, as well as in cases where the use of chemicals is undesirable. To treat the leaves, you can use laundry soap - grind 1 bar and dilute it in water in a ratio of 1:6. Before applying to the leaves, you need to whip up the foam; you can also spray the bushes with the solution. The product does not require rinsing.
6. Garlic infusion - chop 10 cloves and add 5 liters of water, leave to infuse overnight in a warm place. Before use, the infusion must be filtered.
7. Water - used to wipe the leaves. Effective in the fight against adult insects.

Fumigation of greenhouses

The procedure should be carried out twice a year - before planting seedlings and after harvesting. Before fumigation, you need to close the windows and doors, and also plug all the cracks.

Sulfur candles can be used for fumigation, but they are only suitable if the room is located away from residential buildings. Before carrying out the procedure, you need to remove all tomatoes from the greenhouse.

You can use smoke bombs with insecticides in those greenhouses that are located near your home. In this case, you can leave the seedlings in the greenhouse. The product will help kill not only adults, but also larvae, and will also protect against various diseases.

The smoke control method can be carried out using tobacco. You need to put a sheet of iron on the ground, on top of which you place newspaper, wood chips and tobacco. Before the procedure, you need to lubricate the glass of the greenhouse with Vaseline. After the fire is lit, the disturbed insects will rush to the windows and stick to them.

What herbs will save tomatoes?

By sowing the right herbs in an area with tomato beds, you can forget about pests forever. These herbs include dill - it attracts insects that feed on midges. It can be planted between the beds.

Experienced summer residents often plant tobacco along the perimeter of the site. Although this plant will not repel whiteflies, it will bear the brunt of the attack. Most of the insects will begin to settle in the tobacco bushes, which will give the vegetable grower time to begin pest control.

Mechanical methods

The fight against whiteflies in a greenhouse is also carried out using light and natural enemies of midges. You can also catch adults using a vacuum cleaner.

Whiteflies, like other moths, are attracted to light. One person enters the greenhouse and begins to shake the bushes, while the other stands at the exit and holds a blowtorch in his hands. This procedure can be carried out every 2-3 days.

During the day, you can spread pieces of foil between the beds. The sun's rays will reflect off the foil and fall on the lower leaves of the tomatoes where the insects live.

The enemies of white midges are ladybugs and lacewings. If you attract these insects to the area, you can quickly eliminate the problem. You can also populate the greenhouse with pupae of the encarsia wasp and the macrolophus bug.

Fighting methods

When there are few black midges on tomatoes, you can simply crush them with your hands, and then wash the bush with water pressure

However, it is worth taking into account that the surviving pests will rush back to the tomato bushes as quickly as possible.

You can easily get rid of adult insects using a special adhesive tape for flying insects, and a weak solution of vinegar or potassium permanganate will help remove the larvae that live in the upper layer of the earth.

Chemicals

If there are too many black midges, you will have to resort to chemicals, such as pesticides and organic insecticides. Safer preparations for use in gardening are those based on fatty acids, plant oil and pyrethrins. They not only help fight aphids, but also increase plant resistance to disease.

The most effective drugs for combating black midges are: ·

• Fozalon;
• Aktafit;
• Fascord;
• Aktar;
• Benzophosphate;
• Fufanon

Any of these remedies has a fast and strong effect, as well as a long period of protection. Each drug is accompanied by detailed instructions indicating the dosage and method of its use. At least three treatments must be carried out with an interval of approximately 7 days.

Plants are treated early in the morning and always in dry weather.

Some gardeners use sulfur smoke in greenhouses with tomatoes to combat midges. After treatment, the entire population dies, both adults and their eggs. Smoke is obtained by spreading sulfur powder on hot baking sheets.

Chemicals should not be used when tomatoes are ripening; in this case, it is better to resort to safer folk remedies.

Chemicals

There are different forms of insecticides for killing midges and other pests:

spray aerosols for use directly on insects (for example, “Raptor”, “Raid” or “Dichlorvos”);

"Raptor" from fruit midge

• granular and powder products applied to the soil (“Karbofos”, “Aktara”);
• solutions for treating plants from a spray bottle (“Fitoverm”, “Argaverin”).

Special products that can be purchased in the store will help.

Do not neglect safety precautions - when processing, you must wear rubber gloves and a respirator. Insecticides always contain toxic toxins - if they get on the skin or mucous membranes, irritation may occur.

Let us present a short overview of the most popular means for treating plants against insects.

"Dichlorvos Neo" (aerosol)

Quite inexpensive product. Its price is about 80-100 rubles. Received high performance ratings. The composition contains active ingredients such as permethin, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetramethrin and others.

You can use Dichlorvos Neo

Application technique.

1. After opening, the cylinder is taken in an outstretched hand at a distance of less than half a meter from the floor.
2. Holding the can vertically, spray the product.
3. Next, airing is carried out for at least two hours.

The product is versatile

"Grom-2 (granulated product)

Cheap insecticide, the cost of packaging is about 15-20 rubles. Be sure to use a gauze bandage, safety glasses and rubber gloves. After treatment, be sure to wash all areas of the skin with soap and rinse your mouth with clean water.

"Grom-2" is a granular product that is poured directly into the soil

Application technique.

1. Small grooves (about 2 cm deep) are dug around the plant.
2. The drug is poured into them in the dosage indicated on the package.
3. A small layer of earth is poured on top.

It is important to follow safety precautions when using such products

"Akarin (plant treatment solution)

Another affordable product - its price is about 20 rubles

As a precaution, it is recommended to use a separate container for diluting the solution, where food products will not be prepared. Other security measures are standard

"Akarin"

Technique of use.

1. The powder to prepare the solution is mixed with water and stirred.
2. Next, you need to pour it into a spray bottle and treat the above-ground parts of the plants.

"Akarin" - a solution that needs to be sprayed on the above-ground parts of plants

Alexander, Moscow:

“I used Akarin to kill midges and other pests. The advantages are that the solution can be prepared quickly and conveniently, covers a wide range of different insects, and is environmentally friendly. The downside is that the prepared solution cannot be stored for a long time. It seemed to me the most convenient method for killing insects.”

Alla, Tula:

“I always keep a small bottle of Dichlorvos at home so I can be ready if I have to deal with pests.”

Why do I love using it? The most important thing is efficiency. I don’t remember another product that would give the same result on the first try - re-processing is usually not required

One bottle lasts a long time, the price is also good. By the way, modern brands of Dichlorvos do not have a pungent odor and allow you not to leave home after treatment.”

Many gardeners confirm the effectiveness of special chemicals

Victoria, Nizhny Novgorod:

“When I encountered soil flies, I was truly horrified! It’s good that an experienced friend advised me to use “Grom-2” - I was able to completely get rid of harmful insects. I didn’t find any shortcomings, I will recommend it to everyone.”

If necessary, you can choose exactly the insecticide that will suit you best - fortunately, the range of products allows this. Another option is to turn to folk remedies.

"Thunder-2"

Dangerous pests: fungus gnat and white midge

If you notice that the leaves of your plants have turned yellow and started to fall off, it is quite possible that the vegetables have become a victim of white midges (whiteflies). In order to prevent the development of white midges, it is necessary to take measures to eliminate the favorable environment for them.

They love to attack seedlings and whiteflies

Firstly, be sure to maintain the distance between plants; you cannot plant seedlings too densely. Secondly, watering should be moderate - the permissible moisture levels should not be exceeded. And thirdly, use only proven, high-quality fertilizers - do not use expired fertilizers or those whose origin you are not sure of. Factory packaging with the date of manufacture and instructions can be a guarantee of quality.

Remember - in greenhouses and apartments, white midges can reproduce regardless of weather conditions and time of year. You can encounter them even in winter.

White midges quietly develop in greenhouses and apartments even in winter

A good way to get rid of white midges is a tincture of tobacco leaves. To do this, take a pack of cigarettes, remove the tobacco (of course, you need to remove it from the paper and filter), fill it with hot water (about a liter per pack) and leave in a dark place for about five days. The strained solution is used for watering plants every 3-4 days. Soon you won't see any pests.

Another dangerous pest is the fungus gnat. They usually fly in small groups and lay their eggs directly in the ground. The larvae of these insects are especially dangerous for seedlings.

Fungus mosquitoes are also dangerous because they can lay eggs directly in the soil where the seedlings grow.

There are separate means to destroy fungus gnat larvae. They are applied under the top layer of soil and are usually sold in granules. After watering, the granules will dissolve and the product will begin to act.

Fungus gnats and fruit flies

In closed greenhouses, you can use sulfur candles to fumigate the room.

How to properly set fire to a sulfur bomb

Insecticides containing pyrethrum and pirimiphos-methyl work well.

It is important to follow the instructions for use of various products

Signs of infection

When white midges on cucumbers in a greenhouse , it is impossible not to notice them. They rise upward in a white cloud as soon as you touch the plant. External signs of damage include:

• Uneven ripening of fruits.
• Curling of yellowed leaves.
• The appearance of black plaque on the leaves.
• On the inside of the leaves there are colonies of white butterflies and eggs.

If you cut a tomato, you can find whitish, dense tissue inside it. Whitefly is also dangerous for zucchini and peppers.

How to spray correctly?

In order for the drugs to have the expected effect during processing, several rules must be followed:

1. All plants will have to be sprayed: sick and healthy.
2. Work should be carried out in the morning or evening hours, when direct rays of the sun do not fall on the plants.
3. Processing must be carried out at a temperature not lower than 18 degrees, otherwise the effect of many drugs disappears.
4. For maximum effect, it is recommended to add liquid potassium soap to the solution.
5. You need to spray the entire plant, both leaves and stem, trying to get on the inside of the leaf.
6. When treating with drugs such as Vertimek, Actelik, Fitoferm, Agravertin, the seedlings should be carefully covered with plastic wrap for several hours.

Briefly about tomatoes and their pests

Modern varieties are unpretentious and produce a rich harvest with minimal effort. But caring for a tomato requires knowledge and skills. Difficulties begin from the first days of growing seedlings. A little later, gardeners have another headache - how to get rid of pests and prevent diseases with the help of drugs or folk remedies.

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, which is loved by many insects and bacteria that cause diseases. The latest are:

• Blackleg. First, the root collar becomes dark in color, then rots, which leads to thinning of the stem and death of the plant. The disease spreads quickly and can destroy a plantation in a short time.
• Late blight affects leaves and fruits, which dry out and rot. When infected, it can destroy 80% of all plants.
• Brown spot appears when there is high humidity or low temperature. This is a fungal disease. The spores are easily transferred and can persist in the soil for a long time. Symptoms include brown spots on the undersides of leaves with a gray coating.
• Mosaic, which cannot be treated, is one of the most dangerous diseases of tomatoes. When infected, pigment spots are formed that resemble a mosaic. Next, the tomato leaves curl and wrinkle, and the bush withers before our eyes.
• Gray and brown rot, the appearance of which is promoted by coolness and humidity. A tomato is infected if first small and then large watery spots are noticed on the fruit.

As for pests, the most dangerous ones include:

• nematodes that damage roots;
• spider mite;
• scoop caterpillars that spoil the above-ground parts;
• sprout fly that attacks tomato seedlings. The eggs are in the ground, and with the heat, larvae appear, damaging the sprouts.

In addition, the Colorado potato beetle and aphids can spoil the tomato harvest.

Black midge

In addition to whiteflies, other insects can also parasitize greenery, so you should be wary of the appearance of uninvited dark-colored “guests” in the leaves of plants. The black midge that appears on tomatoes, just like the white-winged midge, feeds on the juice of the stems and leaves, actively destroying the plant.

Signs of presence on tomatoes

If black pests begin to multiply on tomatoes, you can notice the following changes that have occurred in the plants:

• leaves look lifeless and dry, despite regular watering;
• stunted appearance of stems;
• poor yield or complete loss of the diseased plant’s ability to bear fruit;
• the appearance of ant trails that protect black midges, feeding on their waste products.

Very often insects can be seen with the naked eye, especially on a sunny day - they like to sit on the bottom of leaves and eat succulent areas.

To stop the “feast” of parasites and protect your plants, you will need to treat them and fight insects as soon as possible.