Two-Spotted Spider-Tetranychus urticae

European Red-Panonychus ulmi

Identification
• Active mites appear as tiny specks, are yellowish to reddish in color, and are eight-legged. Very young mites have six legs.
• Plants attacked by two-spotted spider mites may have very fine webbing on or between the leaves.

Damage
• Two-spotted spider mites attack marigold, daisy, apple, other fruit trees, and other flowers, particularly in mid to late summer.
• European red mite attacks apple, pear, plum, and other fruit plants.
• Attacked leaves will be stippled with white specks that turn brown. Damaged leaves usually appear dusty or bronzish; they may turn brown, and drop from the plant.

Management
• Mites are normally controlled by natural enemies. Insecticide spraying kills the natural enemies, making damaging infestations more likely.
• Dormant oil sprays shortly after bud break kill the overwintering reddish eggs of European red mite.
• Insecticidal soap, summer oil, and other miticides are effective.