Common problems

Which Webs Should you Worry About?

As soon as summer shows signs of hanging around, spiders and spider webs seem to pop up all over the garden. Webbing is often found on plants and if the plant shows any sign of pest attack, people usually assume that spider mites are the cause. This is unfortunate, as in many cases, the webbing is often from beneficial spiders which may actually be eating the pest that is really causing the problems.

Before spraying for spider mites, here is what you should look for:

• Spider mites are tiny, dust-sized creatures. You must look closely in the web to see them. They are most often a reddish-brown colour.
• The webbing will be very fine and usually confined to the leaf axils or growing tip.
• Feeding damage will appear as fine yellow speckling on the leaves.

Hot, dry weather is favourable for outbreaks of this pest. Hosing down your plants with water will help wash them out and keep their numbers in check. Chemicals are available for control-just check the labels for which ones are applicable and rate of application. Insecticidal soap is another non-toxic alternative for control.