Ornamental Cherry: Spider mites

• Categories: Ornamental Cherry Ornamental Cherry Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
• Last review date: 2025-06-30 10:30

Biology

Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged, and yellowish to brown in color. Their feeding causes mild to severe stippling (little specks or dots) on leaves. Usually yellowish or bronzish, stippling can, in severe cases, cause leaves to drop.

Fine webbing is often present, especially on the underside of leaves. Mites may be found on either leaf surface and can be more damaging during dry, dusty conditions. Spider mites overwinter as fertilized females in litter and duff, usually away from the tree.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Predaceous mites and insect predators such as ladybird beetles may naturally control spider mite levels. (Predacious mites can be purchased and released.) Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides that can kill these natural predators.
• Wash spider mites from plants with a strong stream of water.
• Keep plants healthy to increase pest tolerance.
• Switch to slow-release or lower-nitrogen fertilizers. High levels of nitrogen in the leaves can increase spider mite reproduction rates.

Chemical Management

• Begin monitoring for spider mite in the late spring or especially during hot weather.
• Soaps may need to be applied several times.
• Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
• Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid
  EPA registration number: 42697-60
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.