Mites, spiders and ticks are not insects, but belong to a closely related group called the arachnids. Adult and nymph mites have eight legs; the youngest mites (larvae) and insects have only six legs. Insects have antennae, but mites do not. Also, mites will never have wings. Mites and some insects have piercing-sucking mouthparts, so the damage to plants is often similar.
Pest mites remove chlorophyl and sap from host plants resulting in bleaching, yellowing or browning of the foliage. Initial symptoms are small yellow or whitish stippling (spots) which appears on the foliage where chlorophyl has been removed. Leaf or needle drop may be caused by dehydration due to loss of water by such feeding. In heavy infestations, plant vigor is often reduced and unsightly webbing may be seen on the foliage.
Monitoring or checking for mites should be done at least once a week during times of the year when pest mites are most likely to be active. To monitor, examine foliage with the aid of a hand lens or by striking a limb over a piece of white cardboard to detect any mites that dislodge onto the white surface. A few mites on a shrub or tree are not a serious concern because the plant can tolerate low numbers. Also, some mites may be beneficial ones that feed on the pest mites. Such beneficial predators are usually more active and run faster than pest mites. If early signs of injury ate beginning to show on the plants and mite numbers are increasing, a spray treatment may be warranted. When monitoring suggests that a treatment is needed, a foliar spray with a miticide (acaricide) should be applied.
Two of the important pest mites in Connecticut are the two-spotted spider mite and the spruce spider mite. Both mites are very tiny, approximately 1/50 of an inch in length. The time for development from egg to adult requires 15-30 days. Because generations frequently overlap, mites of all stages can often be found on the same plant.
Two-spotted mite. These mites attack the foliage of ornamentals, vegetables and fruits. They are oval, green to yellow in color and have two dark spots on their backs. Two-spotted mites overwinter outside as adults in the soil or leaf litter. They may remain active indoors, however, on houseplants and greenhouse plants. The light yellowish eggs are pearl-like in appearance and are attached to the undersides of leaves or on stems. Two-spotted mites thrive in hot and dry weather and, thus, cause most of their injury during mid- and late-summer.
Spruce spider mite. These mites attack many conifers, especially spruce, arborvitae, hemlock, juniper and pine. Young spruce spider mites are pale green; adults may be reddish, dark green or nearly black with pink legs and spines. They are about the size of a pepper grain so a hand lens is helpful when monitoring. Winter eggs are brick red; summer eggs are dull-brown. The eggs are laid on and around bud scales and at the bases of needles. Unlike two-spotted mites, spruce spider mites are most active and damaging during the spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler and rainfalls are more frequent. These are also the best times to control spruce spider mites. Their activity and the effectiveness of control greatly decrease during hot summer weather. Older needles are attacked first, so the earliest injury is usually seen on the lower and inner parts of trees. Infestations can spread to the top portions of trees as the season progresses.
Mite Control. If a miticide is warranted, select the least toxic material whenever possible and be sure to achieve good spray coverage on the undersides of leaves or needles.
Miticides that can be used include: dormant oil sprays, insecticidal soap, summer oils, sulfur, dicofol (Kelthane), dimethoate (Cygon), propargite (Ornamite), dinocap (Karathane), fluvalinate (Mavrik) and bifenthrin (Talstar). Read the miticide label carefully and make sure that the plant to be treated is listed on the label. Also check the label for harvest intervals (time between last application and harvest) on food crops. Beneficial mites may also be purchased and released to aid in the control of pest mites.
The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.