Two spotted spider mites prefer hot and dry conditions. They inject their mouthparts into the plant cells and extract the cell contents. This causes a flecking or strippled look to the plant. Large infestations build webs, decreases plant strength through their feeding and may cause premature leaf drop. Check for spider mites by shaking the plant over a white piece of paper to see if you have quick moving dots that smear when squished. Predatory mites and other predators that feed on two spotted spider mites may have a hard time keeping up with the fast growing population. Horticultural oil, Floramite and Forbid are some of the miticides are excellent mite controls.
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