[simpson-allen]

that is covering the tops of my cucumber and tomato plants in my greenhouse which seem t o have thousands of very small flea like creatures living in it. The toms as yet dont appear to be suffering but the cucumber leaves have turned yellow. Whether thats anything to do with the web creatures I don't know. It could be just that they're dying back being as its sept, although I'm still getting flowers and fruit setting on it. Any ideas?

[JayG]

Sounds very much like red spider mite to me (I am assuming you have good eyesight; I probably wouldn't be able to see them but then again I really don't want to!)

Info: http://ladybirdplantcare.co.uk/red_spider_mite.html

[mumofstig]

Horrible litte whatsits 

it's a good job you didn't get them earlier in the year, cos it's next to impossible to get rid of'em ..........never tried the killer bugs as they're a bit expensive IMO

[simpson-allen]

thanks J. Just attacked them with the hose. Or rather the water from the hose. As a result will I have just washed them into the soil and will they therefore overwinter in the greenhouse and reappear straight away next year?

[sunshineband]

They are tough to kill so I would try something in addtion to squirty water if/when they reappear.

They really are one of the most pernicious of pests in greenhouses.

There are organic controls with a little wasp, but any insecticide containing bifenthrin is a good non-organic starter --- Doff All-in-one Garden Pest Killer is one.

[mumofstig]

The RHS advises that most of them are now immune to the sprays...I must admit it made no difference when I sprayed them earlier in the year.

They also say Bifenthrin shouldn't be used after 31 May 2011 and there are no other chemical sprays for edible plants, although they do suggest some organic ones

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=190

[sunshineband]

The RHS advises that most of them are now immune to the sprays...I must admit it made no difference when I sprayed them earlier in the year.

They also say Bifenthrin shouldn't be used after 31 May 2011 and there are no other chemical sprays for edible plants, although they do suggest some organic ones

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=190

I must apologise for giving out of date information    I should have known that really. Musn't let the little devils win, so have to find a way to beat them 

[mumofstig]

I'll forgive you, Sunshine

[sunshineband]

I'll forgive you, Sunshine

Thank you MoS