Spider Mites

Are spider mites sucking on your evergreens? To find out, hold a sheet of white paper under a branch and shake the branch. Look closely on the paper. If you see tiny red specks, the answer is yes.

But don't worry. These pests are among the easiest to control.

Spider mites are not insects but are more closely related to spiders, and can produce a fine silk webbing which makes your plants look dirty. Their tiny mouthparts can remove the contents of individual plant cells, leaving tiny yellow or white speckles, giving the foliage a yellow or bronze cast. Heavily infested plants may be discolored, stunted or even killed.

The easiest way to control spider mites is to wash them off your ornamental plants with a forceful jet of water from a hose. Spider mites can also be controlled with horticultural oils or with the insecticide Cygon.