Spider mites are extremely small arachnids closely related to spiders and ticks that cluster on the undersides of leaves and cause damage by sucking on the tissues. Different types of spider mites attack various plants both indoors and out. There are several ways you can learn how to get rid of spider mites. By treating and preventing a minor spider mite infestation affecting only a few leaves, the plant can recover to a healthier state.
As a gardening enthusiast, I know how disheartening it can be to find spider mites damaging your carefully nurtured American elderberry shrub These tiny pests can quickly get out of control, causing extensive damage to the foliage
In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through various methods and techniques to get rid of spider mites in your American elderberry shrub.
Identifying Spider Mite Infestations
The first step is learning how to identify spider mite infestations early. Catching them soon after initial infestation makes controlling them much easier.
Here are the common signs that point to a spider mite infestation
-
Tiny size – Adult spider mites measure only 1/50 of an inch. They appear as tiny moving dots on the undersides of leaves.
-
Stippling damage – The feeding of spider mites causes yellow or white speckled patches on leaves. The specks start off small but increase in size as the infestation grows.
-
Fine webbing – Spider mites spin fine, silky webs on the undersides of leaves to protect their colonies. The webbing gets more extensive with greater infestations.
-
Distorted growth – Heavily infested leaves can become twisted and curled. Growth of new leaves and shoots may also appear abnormal.
-
Presence of eggs – Spider mites lay spherical, transparent eggs near the veins of leaves. The eggs are initially clear but become pearl-like and opaque just before hatching.
Carefully checking the undersides of leaves at the first signs of damage can help detect early infestations before they get out of control.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Spider Mites
For mild spider mite infestations, non-chemical methods can be effective. Here are some natural ways to get rid of spider mites in American elderberry shrubs:
1. Water Sprays
-
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions. Regular water sprays create an unfavorable environment for them.
-
Use a strong jet of water to dislodge the mites from the foliage. Focus on the undersides of leaves.
-
Repeat water sprays every 3-4 days until the infestation clears.
2. Pruning and Trimming
-
Prune off heavily infested leaves and branches to instantly reduce pest populations.
-
Improve air circulation within the shrub by thinning out dense growth. This stops the humid conditions spider mites prefer.
3. Neem Oil
-
Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree. It smothers and kills spider mites on contact.
-
Mix neem oil with water according to label directions and spray on affected parts of the shrub.
-
For best results, apply neem oil spray in the evening. Repeat application every 7-14 days.
4. Insecticidal Soap
-
Insecticidal soaps containing potassium salts of fatty acids can kill spider mites through direct contact.
-
Spray the soap solution thoroughly, especially on the undersides of leaves.
-
Reapply every 5-7 days for 2-3 weeks until mites are gone.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
-
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a dust made from fossilized algae. It damages the waxy outer coating of spider mites, causing dehydration and death.
-
Dust DE lightly over leaves and stems. Reapply after rain or watering.
-
Use horticultural DE to avoid harming bees and beneficial insects.
6. Predatory Insects
-
Beneficial predatory mites and insects like ladybugs feed on spider mites.
-
Release predatory mites or attract predators by planting nectar-rich flowers.
-
Predators alone may not eliminate heavy infestations. Use them alongside other controls.
Chemical Spider Mite Treatments
For stubborn infestations, limited use of chemical miticides may be required as a last resort:
-
Abamectin – Derived from soil bacteria, abamectin is a neurotoxin for mites. It causes paralysis and death in spider mites.
-
Fenpyroximate – This insecticide disrupts spider mite growth and causes mortality. It provides rapid knockdown of adults.
-
Spiromesifen – Spiromesifen is a spirocyclic phenyl-substitute tetronic acid acaricide. It inhibits lipid biosynthesis in spider mites.
-
Bifenazate – This miticide inhibits GABA-gated chloride channels, resulting in spider mite death. It has minimal toxicity for pollinators.
When using chemical miticides:
-
Read and follow all label directions carefully concerning dosage, timing, and method of application.
-
Target spray only on infested areas, not the entire plant.
-
Allow proper intervals before harvesting berries if the product label requires it.
-
Avoid using same miticide repeatedly as it can lead to resistance. Rotate between different classes.
Preventing Spider Mites in American Elderberry
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to dealing with spider mites. Here are some cultural practices to help avoid infestations in your American elderberry shrub:
-
Select a planting site with full sun exposure and good air circulation. Avoid crowded, humid locations.
-
Water plants regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Drought stress makes plants more vulnerable.
-
Fertilize plants appropriately to maintain vigor. Excess nitrogen can cause succulent growth favored by mites.
-
Remove weeds and clear leaf litter/debris around plants to eliminate hiding spots for pests.
-
Monitor plants frequently and take prompt action at the first signs of mites before they multiply.
-
Use reflective mulches like aluminum foil to deter spider mites. The glare disturbs them.
-
Introduce predatory mites or beneficial insects as a preventative bio-control.
By diligently following these tips, you can avoid disastrous spider mite infestations in your American elderberry shrub. Always be vigilant and take action as soon as you detect these sneaky pests. Combining preventive cultural practices with early intervention using organic and chemical controls as needed will help protect your prized shrub.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spider Mites in American Elderberry
Here are answers to some common queries regarding spider mite control in American elderberry shrubs:
How do spider mites spread to elderberry shrubs?
Spider mites easily spread from plant to plant via wind, animal/human contact, and on clothing or garden tools. Newly emerging adult mites also disperse by crawling to other plants nearby.
Should I get rid of my infested American elderberry shrub?
No, the shrub can recover after proper treatment. Completely removing severely infested plants is usually not required. Prune out heavily damaged branches and destroy them.
Can beneficial insects completely control spider mites?
While predatory mites and insects help, rely on them too much for heavy infestations. Use them along with manual, organic and chemical controls for best effect.
How soon after treatment can I harvest elderberries?
Check the pre-harvest interval specified on chemical miticide labels. Stop any sprays at least 2 weeks before harvest. Organic sprays can be used up to the day of harvest.
Is it okay to use insecticidal soap and neem oil together?
Yes, insecticidal soap and neem oil are compatible and can be mixed together. The combination enhances their miticidal effect.
How often should I apply organic spider mite treatments?
Most organic sprays like neem oil and insecticidal soap should be reapplied every 5-7 days for 2-3 weeks to break the mite life cycle.
By implementing a well-planned integrated pest management strategy, you can successfully get rid of spider mites in your beloved American elderberry shrub. Pay close attention to identifying infestations early. Use a combination of manual, natural and chemical controls as needed based on the extent of damage. And be vigilant about prevention! With some persistence and patience, you can protect your elderberry shrub from these tiny yet destructive pests.
Spray With Water
Most species of mites thrive in dry, warm weather, and a very effective control is to regularly spray plants with hard blasts of water, aiming especially at the undersides of leaves or needles. This treatment needs to be repeated regularly to keep the mites and their eggs from regaining a foothold on the plants. Indoor houseplants can be placed in a kitchen sink or bathtub to get treated with the faucet sprayer to remove spider mites and eggs.
You can wipe down the underside of a plants leaves using water and an optional few drops of liquid dish soap mixed in. For large leaves, use a clean cloth to wipe leaves or put the mixture in a spray bottle, spritz the leaves, and wipe with a cloth.
Leaves Damaged by Spider Mites
Spider mites feed by sucking out plant juice from the leaves. Some spider mites inject toxins into the leaves that discolor and distort them. Heres what spider mite-damaged leaves (as well as conifer needles) will look like:
- Fine white webbing on the leaves
- Stippled
- Yellowed
- Dry
- Covered with pale yellow spots or blotches
- White dots appear as the chlorophyll is sucked out
- Dropping leaves and needles