The nymphs are small, active, yellow-green insects. It is important to scout for the nymphs regularly, as they can show up quickly in warm weather. Tarnished plant bugs feed on the open strawberry flowers, causing the berries to have seedy ends. If four or more of the clusters out of the 30 sampled have any nymphs, control measures should be taken. Dry weather will encourage the development of spider mites, so it is important to scout for them regularly.
Infested leaves develop yellow flecking and have a bronzed appearance.
To scout for mites collect 60 leaves from various locations in the field, and examine the undersides for the presence of mites. Mites are very small - you may need a hand lens to see them. Predatory mites, such as Amblyseius fallacis , can provide good control of two spotted spider mites when they are released at a rate of about 10,000 mites per acre. Predator mite releases should only be made after a spider mite infestation has been found in the field. Releasing predators into a clean field will often result in them dying, due to a lack of food.