Despite their small size, these mites can cause significant plant injury.
Heavy infestations can bronze an entire tree.
The easiest way to diagnose spider mites is to tap an infested branch over a white piece of paper. Dislodged mites will appear as tiny specks moving on the paper. Spider mite populations develop rapidly under hot, dry conditions, and plants under stress are particularly susceptible to injury. Spider mite problems can also be induced through the use of certain insecticides, such as Sevin, which destroy natural enemies of the spider mites. Properly watering and fertilizing plants is a primary means of limiting spider mite injury.