Spruce Spider Mites Description:

Ranging in color from green to orange-red, spruce spider mites are conifer-loving pests that overwinter as orange eggs at the base of needles and twigs. After hatching and molting several times, the adults mate and lay eggs. There can be six to eight generations each season, depending on temperature. The spruce spider mite is most active during the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, and may discontinue its feeding and reproductive activity when temperatures rise during the summer months.

Hosts:

Spruce spider mites feed on more than 40 different types of conifers, especially Alberta spruce, as well as arborvitae, fir, hemlock, juniper, and other spruce species.

Biology & Symptoms:

These sap-sucking pests deprive trees of nutrients, causing their needles to fleck and turn yellow. Signs of a worsening infestation include remnants of silk webbing and shed skins, as well as brown needles, premature needle drop, and branch or tree death.

Management:

Unless treating sensitive dwarf Alberta spruce or Colorado spruce, apply an appropriate miticide before bud break to reduce overall populations and again in late fall if necessary. Talk with a certified arborist about alternative treatments when miticides cannot be used.

See More Articles

Pest And Disease Center Anthracnose Disease Of Deciduous Trees Banner 1440X500
Mold or Fungus

Anthracnose Disease Of Deciduous Trees

Anthracnose is a common and destructive group of fungal pathogens that attack various shade trees.
Read More
Pest And Disease Aphids Banner 1440X500
Mold or Fungus

Aphids

Aphids, sometimes called plant lice, are soft-bodied, sucking insects. They tend to cluster in large colonies on new growth and come in a variety of species that may be green, black, red, orange, wooly, spotted or bow-legged.
Read More

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!

Davey uses cookies to make your experience a great one by providing us analytics so we can offer you the most relevant content. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. View our Privacy Policy for more information.