Did your plant leaves look weird over the summer? Maybe you looked closely at them and noticed little discolored spots. Sounds like that may have been the work of spider mites.
You might expect that damage to subside as most insects and arachnids go dormant for the winter. But as warm season spider mites take a break, cool season spider mites wake up to take their turn at the leaves of your trees and shrubs.
If you want to reduce cool season spider mite damage at your Concord, NC property this fall, now's the time to schedule treatment.
Need more information about cool season spider mites?
Here's everything you need to know:
What are cool season spider mites?
How will I know cool season spider mites are in my yard?
Which plants will cool season spider mites attack?
Are cool season spider mites dangerous to my plant life?
Can I get rid of cool season spider mites myself?
What if I want a professional to come deal with my cool season spider mites?
When is the best time to treat for cool season spider mites?
Q: What are cool season spider mites?
A: Spider mites are itty-bitty arachnids that feed on the sap of tree and shrub leaves. They're called "cool season mites" because they're most active in the cooler weather of spring and fall.
Q: How will I know cool season spider mites are in my yard?
A: Spider mites are hard to see with the naked eye, but you can clearly see their handiwork. While they suck the nutrients out of your tree's leaves, pale green, yellow, or reddish spots are left behind. This damage is called stippling.
Q: Which plants will cool season spider mites attack?
A: Cool season spider mites like to feed on conifers and broadleaf evergreens. They'll also return to plants that they've fed on before.
Q: Are cool season spider mites dangerous to my plant life?
A: It depends. Spider mites have plenty of natural enemies, so as long as the population is low, your trees and shrubs aren't in danger. If your infestation is particularly heavy or you just want your plant life to look its best, Carolina Tree Care does offer treatments.
Q: Can I get rid of cool season spider mites myself?
A: Sure! All you have to do is spray your plants with a steady stream of water twice a week to wash the mites away.
Stressed plants attract mites, so be sure to keep your plants healthy if you want to prevent spider mites in the first place. Water your plants, make sure they're getting enough light, and give them just enough fertilizer.
Q: What if I want a professional to come deal with my cool season spider mites?
A: That would be a smart move, especially if your spider mite problem is particularly heavy.
If you're looking for quick results, we can spray foliar miticides at Concord, NC area properties that will kill the spider mites directly.
On the other hand, soil-injection miticide applications really go the distance. Your tree's roots will absorb the treatment we inject into the soil and disperse it throughout its tissues. Then, when the spider mites feed on the leaves, they'll die soon after.
Soil-injections are slower acting, but they control pests longer than foliar sprays. We can discuss the best option for you at your consultation.
Q: When is the best time to treat for cool season spider mites?
A: We'll treat for spider mites in the Concord, NC area throughout the fall, including September, October, and November.
