Spider Mites & Bagworms
We've seen our first sightings this season of Spider Mites and Bagworms! Spider Mites are wreaking havoc on Burning Bushes and Bagworms are just getting hungrier by the day..Spider Mites typically feed on Burning Bush and Alberta Spruces. The best way to test for them is the "White paper test". Hold a sheet of white paper under the bush and give it a shake. If you see ground pepper sized insects on the paper, you have a problem and need to treat. The plant will also brown out and there will be small webbing that is most noticeable in the morning when there is dew. Chemicals used to treat are miticides. Choose one that kills both the adults and eggs. Although expensive, Forbid 4f is a great product for Spider Mites. Bagworms feed primarily on evergreens like Junipers, Spruce and Arborvitaes. They are easily controlled with most insecticides especially in the early stages when they are small.