I have a case of the creepy-crawlies and it isn’t even Halloween!

Spider mites feed on the sap of trees and shrubs, just like aphids do; however, their mouth feeding parts are different. They have a piercing-sucking mouth part that does physical damage to the individual plant cells.

The leaves are left with a mottled pattern. The activity man and/or will result in reduced food production for the plant and/or premature leaf drop.

Spider mites are in the Arachnid family, in large populations you will see webbing. Their webbing does not consist of the cone at the base, as is common with most species of spiders. Instead, their webs are of a much finer design without the cone.

They enjoy very hot areas and low humidity environments. Aphids and mites, both tend to be observed on the underside of the plants’ leaf surface as a protection mechanism from predators.

Some natural predators include Lacewings, Minute Pirate Bugs, and Spider Mite Destroyer Lady Beetle, among others.

Our arborists can visit your property and assess the needs for preventive and curative treatments along with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions.