Spider Mites

Mites feeding on burning bush will cause discolored leaves and leaf drop. Spider mites will suck the sap out of the leaf. This can severely stress the plant. Spider mites are not an insect. They have eight legs and are more closely related to spiders. Hot dry weather favors a population explosion of mites. You may see webbing on the leaves and branches. To determine if the plant is infested with spider mites, hold a sheet of white paper underneath some of the discolored leaves and tap the leaves. Tiny dark specks about the size of pepper that move around are spider mites.

Spider mites flourish on plants under stress. Keep plants well watered and fertilized. Mite populations can be reduced by forcefully spraying plants with water, especially on the underside of leaves, to break up the webs and wash the mites off. Do this as often as necessary. An application of a horticulture oil and/or insecticidal soap, applied every 7 to 10 days during the growing season can help provide mite control. There are also miticides that can be used that can provide effective control. But because mites can reproduce rapidly, they may develop a tolerance to a miticide that is used repeatedly. You should alternate using miticides with using oils or soaps. For information on recommended miticides contact your county Extension office, the Master Gardener hotline or your local nursery.

Article credits: Tom Fowler (University of Missouri)




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Location:Salmon Creek Ln,,United States