Beer Forum

Hello forum. I'm a first-time Hops grower. I've noticed that one of my new Hops plants (Perle) has red mites crawling all over it. I've also noticed that the leaves closer to the base of the bine are dying.

Does anyone know if there is a connection here? Also, how the heck do I get rid of those mites?

Not knowing where you are makes it hard to guess on this one. I have an Ag science and plenty of experience in killing bugs but I'm in Australia so any giess I make is only that.

They could be some form of mite that could be feeding on the leaves. If you not trying to be organic a general purpose bug spray should do the trick, even an insect repellant sprayed on the plant could work.

I'd recomend catching a few in a jar and taking them into your local department of Agriculture or plant nursery, they should be able to help.

Happy bug killing!

Cheers DK

If you are growing in the western US - it sounds like red spider mites. They leave little webs on the plants if there is a heavy enough infestation. They thrive in dry conditions - spray the bines with water every day if you can.

You can also take the leaves off the lower couple feet to provide better air circulation for your hops. How tall are they right now?

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05507.html

Chili pepper oil spray keeps many of my bugs in check.

maybe they are alpha aphids.

get yourself some praying mantis or lady bugs. the mantis can be quite territorial and the lady bugs will scour the plants until they are sure all their pray is gone.