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ArborCare/ArborScape, Inc. has been serving the Wasatch Front since 1985.
Our services are tailored to the specific needs of each customer for enhancing their landscape.
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ArborCare-ArborScape Information (Spider Mites)
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What Are Spider Mites?
There are many species of Spider Mites. These are actually not insects, being related closer to spiders. They have eight legs, vary in color depending on the species, and are very tiny. Often a lense is needed, making it difficult to determine if Spider Mites are present until the population is high and has caused damage. Most Spider Mites prefer hot, dry weather, making Utah summers perfect.
What Can Spider Mites do to My Landscape?
Spider Mites attack a variety of ornamental plantings. The damaged foliage tends to be off-color, ranging from just lighter that the healthy foliage to bronze or tan. This damage could be confused with a nutrient deficiency or water shortage. To determine if it is Spider Mites, look closely at the leaf. If there is tiny, very fine webbing, or if you can see stippling from the feeding, you probably have Spider Mites. Also, the leaves often have a 'dirty' look to them from the Mites' webs, eggs, and frass.
Spider Mites feed externally on the leaves with piercing-sucking mouthparts. This means to feed, their mouthparts break through the cell walls and suck out the contents. The stippling is caused because individual cells die. With this type of feeding, bad infestations may lead to death of the plant. Some Spider Mites feed on the buds. This can cause distorted leaves, flowers, etc. due to the individual cells dying and being unable to grow while the healthy cells elongate. This type of feeding is unlikely to cause the death of the plant.
What Can I do to Control Spider Mites?
Important steps in Spider Mite control are watering and mulching. These help promote the health and vigor of the plant. Healthy plants are always more resistant to insects, mites, and diseases.
Adequate control of Spider Mites can be achieved using a type of horticultural oil. Oils suffocate the mites and their eggs, significantly reducing the population. You must have good coverage on the plants for this to be effective.
There are a variety of miticides available. Like the oils, you must have good coverage with miticides. Many miticides have a long residual and good control. Multiple applications, however, may be necessary for best control, depending on infestation.
What Can ArboCare Do For Me?
ArborCare offers both horticultural and miticide applications. We suggest applying the oil in the spring to help control the mites and other insects. Miticides are applied during our summer Inspection and Treatment program. When we come to your house, we inspect the yard for Spider Mites, as well as other pests, and treat only what needs to be treated. Call us at 972-8733 for more information! |
If you have any questions or would like to speak with an ArborCare representative regarding your tree care needs, please e-mail us at or call us at (801) 972-8733.
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We Employ
Certified Arborists
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