Insect Problems Honeylocust mite, Eotetranychus multidigituli . This red-orange colored mite overwinters as adult females in bark crevices or under bud scales. In mid-June, eggs are laid on the undersides of young foliage. Foliage soon becomes covered with yellow spots and distorted as the nymphs feed on leaf cell contents. In warm weather, nymphs mature in as little as four days.
Many generations occur each year.
Control can be achieved in several ways. Since nitrogen-rich foliage enhances mite populations, keeping nitrogen fertilization to a minimum should provide some control. There are predatory mites that attack this insect. Using ultrafine horticultural oil, which is among the compounds registered for control of this pest in Connecticut, to kill overwintering adults, eggs, and feeding nymphs, will conserve the predatory mites. Consult the label for the different rates needed for dormant use and safety precautions.