White jumping insects in my banana plant.....

[beanbag]

I've just watered my banana plant after forgetting to give it anything for weeks and although the plant seems to be doing very well with a new plant emerging from the soil, I noticed masses of tiny white aphid-type creatures jumping about.

I couldn't work out exactly what they were so since I couldn't see any at all on the plant and I don't like using pesticides, I did what all good PH'ers would do and blasted them with my butane jet lighter.

It seems to work a treat as I've managed to nuke the lot and I can't spot any more...

Any idea what these creatures were and are they harmful to the plant?

[Slagathore]

Sounds like your plant has fleas

[Sleekitman]

Yes I do and yes they are.

[mically]

.......... you might have discovered a new life form...............
but oh no, you wanted to nuke the buggers!

I take it the plant is also dead?

[Tunku]

Sounds like banana spider mites
http://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/banana/awar...

Edited by Tunku on Sunday 11th January 02:05

Edited by Tunku on Sunday 11th January 02:06

[beanbag]

Tunku said:

Sounds like banana spider mites
http://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/banana/awar...

Edited by Tunku on Sunday 11th January 02:05

Edited by Tunku on Sunday 11th January 02:06

Nope....they're red. My ones were white.....

Any more ideas?

P.S. The plant is still well, alive and thriving......

[wiffmaster]

beanbag said:

Nope....they're red. My ones were white.....

Any more ideas?

Albino spider mites?

[mically]

I've just found myself googling for this!
christ knows what they'll think if my cache is ever inspected!

but to answer your question; no one seems to have a definite answer....

[TheEnd]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitefly ?

[Waynester]

You sure they white?
Everyone knows 'White bugs can't jump'