Spider Mites?

FL-lawnjockey · May 14, 2009

These webs are in 1 of 2 ligustrum tree's. There seems to be little critters, roughly the size of aphids crawling around, brown to black in color. The webs are in the shady side of the tree.
I ask because I've only seen redish colored mites before & from what I remember, they were definitely smaller than these.
There appears to be a few ants around as well...sorta "farming" these insects like they do aphids.

Any thoughts?

Ric · May 14, 2009

FL-lawnjockey

I don't believe you have Spider Mites but a different variety of spiders. Spider Mites are very small and the best way to detect them is by their damage. Then placing a sheet of white paper under the leave, knock them off the underside of the leave on to the white paper to see them with a magnifying glass.

Insecticidal Soap and Ultrafine oil should get them. But as we have been dry and hot, this can cause some plant leave sunburn. Apply the Treatment in the late afternoon and let it work over nite before washing it off in the morning. Be sure to treat the underside of the leave where you find Spider Mites living.

BTW While your lady Customer will never agree, Spiders are for the most part Good Guys in the fact they eat other insects that can cause damage. Unless the are poisonous like the Red, Brown or Black Widow Spiders, They are just like Lady bugs only sometimes very hard to control.

KACYDS · May 14, 2009

It looks like you have Bark lice. Bark lice are small, brown insects that live on the rough bark of hardwood trees, especially live oak trees. Contrary to their name, bark lice are not parasitic on humans or animals, rather they live on the bark of trees, feeding on fungi, lichens and dead insects. They serve as "clean-up" crew of sorts for the tree. They do not eat leaves or bore into the tree, or consume the bark of the tree. Because they are small and vulnerable, bark lice have developed a protective means for their survival: silken webs. Seemingly overnight, a colony of bark lice can envelop the trunk of a large tree with a silken covering. This silk covering affords bark lice the protection from predators while they feed underneath.

phasthound · May 14, 2009

Ric said:
FL-lawnjockey

I don't believe you have Spider Mites but a different variety of spiders. Spider Mites are very small and the best way to detect them is by their damage. Then placing a sheet of white paper under the leave, knock them off the underside of the leave on to the white paper to see them with a magnifying glass.

Insecticidal Soap and Ultrafine oil should get them. But as we have been dry and hot, this can cause some plant leave sunburn. Apply the Treatment in the late afternoon and let it work over nite before washing it off in the morning. Be sure to treat the underside of the leave where you find Spider Mites living.

BTW While your lady Customer will never agree, Spiders are for the most part Good Guys in the fact they eat other insects that can cause damage. Unless the are poisonous like the Red, Brown or Black Widow Spiders, They are just like Lady bugs only sometimes very hard to control.

Ric,

That is an excellent post! :clapping:

An additional option is just to blast it with high pressure water, being careful not to damage the bark.

LawnoftheMonth · May 14, 2009

bark louse, they clean the bark. we get them on live oaks here, they are beneficial.

FL-lawnjockey · May 15, 2009

Thanks everyone. I was pretty certain they weren't spider mites but not 100%
Bark Lice seems to be it. And seeing how this is on a condo property in a "common area", no one but myself & crew see's them....So they'll be left alone & untreated.

Actually the only reason why spider mites came to mind was that I did a quick search from my laptop while on the property & came across this page describing Ash Spider Mites.
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/2008/10-8/ashspidermite.html
Now, yes, these are reported in Iowa but I thought hhmmm...maybe I'm looking at a southern species here I haven't heard or read about.
Anyways thanks again.

Rob

Ric · May 15, 2009

phasthound said:
Ric,

That is an excellent post! :clapping:

An additional option is just to blast it with high pressure water, being careful not to damage the bark.

Slow Dog

While I am not a Tree Hugger I don't necessarily Spread poison all over the environment. I actually believe in responsible practices. I even use some Organic products. I will bet that surprises you?

Spider Mites?

FL-lawnjockey

Ric

KACYDS

phasthound

LawnoftheMonth

FL-lawnjockey

Ric

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