Re:[Killietalk] Critters in my white worms

["Ron @ CCK" <ronwill at starhub_net.sg>]

> From: Pjeversman at aol_com
> My white worm cultures seem to have become contaminated with small ( about 
> .5mm) white bugs that swarm all over the medium and cover glass.  Bird 
> protectors appear to have no effect on them.  They have seriously decreased my worm 
> production.  Does anyone have any ideas on what they may be and how to eliminate 
> them. 

Hi Phil,

FWIK, these bugs are also in my vermiculture and commonly known as 
'spider mites', either in grayish-white or brown.

My grindal culture is 'bugged' by them presently and I'll have to update 
the 'Synthetic Media' page.  If you can't wait, preview the pics at the 
supplied urls;

Flooded culture
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/fishz/grindal/Soiless/040215-02.JPG

Mites (closer pic)
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/fishz/grindal/Soiless/040215-02X.JPG

I'm not sure what's in 'bird protectors' but I hear that Para 
dichlorobenzene works better than Naphthalene balls (which I've been 
advised NOT to use).

As John and others have torched their cultures to good effect, I've done 
the same.

Flood and torch
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/fishz/grindal/Soiless/040215-03.JPG

Regards,
Ronnie Lee
Singapore



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