Copyright 2010-2011 Updated December 9, 2011 Ultralawn, Inc. 1055 East 260th Street Euclid, Ohio  44132 (216) 731-7756 (440) 951-3738 About • Lawn Care • Trees/Shrubs • Pest Barrier • Questions • Contact Lawn Pests   We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions Spider Mites   Spider mites are common pest problems on many ornamental trees and shrubs. Injury is caused as they feed, bruising the cells with their small, whip like mouth-parts and ingesting the sap. Damaged areas typically appear marked with many small, light flecks, giving the plant a somewhat speckled appearance.   Description: Spider mites are small and often difficult to see with the naked eye. Their colors range from red and brown to yellow and green, depending on the species of spider mite and seasonal changes in their appearance. Many spider mites produce webbing, particularly when they occur in high populations. This webbing gives the mites and their eggs some protection from environmental fluctuations. Life Cycle: Spider mites develop from eggs, which usually are laid near the veins of leaves during the growing season. Most spider mite eggs are round and extremely large in proportion to the size of the mother. After mating, mature females may produce a dozen eggs daily for a couple of weeks. The fast development rate and high egg production can lead to extremely rapid increases in mite populations. Spider mite activity peaks during the warmer months. They can develop rapidly during this time, becoming full-grown in as little as a week after eggs hatch. As winter approaches, most mites change color, often turning more red or orange. Mites will survive the winter as adults hidden in protected areas of the bark. Damage: Following infestations, leaves become discolored, producing a gray or bronze look to the plant. Leaves and needles may ultimately become scorched and drop prematurely. Spider mites frequently kill plants or cause serious stress to them. Control: Preventative insect controls are available to manage spider mites around the home. This will provide more effective long-term control. Because most insect controls do not affect eggs, repeat applications are needed for long-term control. Periodic hosing of plants with a forceful jet of water can also physically remove and kill spider mites.