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IPM Scouting in Woody Landscape Plants

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Twospotted spider mite - Tetranychus urticae
IPM scouting in woody landscape plants > twospotted spider mite
Twospotted spider mites have a wide host range. They can be found nearly any time of year, especially during hot, dry weather. Multiple generations occur each season. Look for bronzed or bleached foliage. Leaves may have a stippled appearance and webbing may be present. Mites balloon on webbing to reach new food sources.

Management: Mites are not insects; many insecticides are not effective against mites. When choosing specific miticides, look for those that will spare predatory mites. Predatory mites and other natural enemies help to control populations. Soaps and summer oils can also be effective, and won’t have as lasting an impact on natural enemies.
Adult twospotted spider mite Two spotted spider mite
Adults: 0.7 to 1 mm. Twospotted spider mites have a wide host range.
Additional information
This information was developed from A Pocket IPM Scouting Guide for Woody Landscape Plants by Diane Brown-Rytlewski. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2839).
The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated 10/11/07