Rose: Spider mites

Biology

Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged, and yellowish to brown in color. They cause mild to severe stippling (little specks or dots) on leaves. Usually yellowish to bronze in color, 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, but normally on the underside of leaves.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Predaceous mites and insects such as ladybird beetles may naturally control spider mite levels. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides that 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

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• Apply to control the immature crawler stage, usually in late spring to early summer.

Approved Pesticides

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. 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.

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