INSECT ID · SUCKING PEST (MITE)
Spider mites
Also called Spider mite, twospotted spider mite, red spider mites
Tiny mites, not insects, that feed on the insides of leaf cells. You often see the leaf damage and webbing before you see the mites.
How to spot it
- Fine pale-green or yellow speckling (stippling) on leaves
- Leaves turning yellow, bronze, or brown, and dropping
- Fine silk webbing on leaves and stems when it is bad
- Specks about 1/50 inch long on the underside of the leaf
- Shake a branch over white paper and watch for moving specks
Why it shows up
Spider mites like hot, dry, dusty conditions, and the risk is highest in hot weather and drought. Egg to adult takes as little as 5 to 20 days, so they build fast. Stressed plants, drought, overwatering, and too much or too little nitrogen can make it worse. Killing off their natural enemies can set off outbreaks.
How we treat it
We will identify it on a visit and recommend the right fix. A strong spray of water on the undersides of leaves knocks mites down and rinses off dust. Steady watering in dry spells helps plants hold up. If they keep building, we will talk through other options with you.
What you can do
- Spray leaf undersides with the hose to knock mites off and rinse off dust.
- Water during dry spells. Stressed plants get hit first.
- Clear weeds and plant debris from around your beds.
WANT IT HANDLED?
Let a licensed applicator take it from here.
Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.
Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138