SPIDERS

Spiders belong to the Arachnid family and are a large and widespread group occurring in many types of habitats. Most spiders are beneficial because they feed on insects.       Description:       Body divided into two sections, has eight legs and no antennae.       Most common:       Jumping spiders: small to medium size with short legs and stout body. Body is hairy and may be brightly colored or iridescent. Found primarily under stones and in debris.       Crab spiders: Crab like in appearance and walk sideways or backyards. Spin no web, but forage or wait in ambush for their prey. One species can change color depending upon the color of the flower it is resting on.       Nursery web and Fishing spiders: Can be quite large, some having a leg spread of three inches. Many live near water.

SPIDER MITES

Spider mites are not insects; they are closely related to spiders and ticks.  Unlike insects, which have six legs and three body parts, spider mites have eight legs and a one-piece body.  They also lack wings, antennae, and compound eyes. Individual spider mites are almost microscopic, yet when they occur in large numbers, they can cause serious damage.  Dozens of species attack shade trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

Spider mites lack chewing mouthparts.  Instead they have a pair of needle-like structures called stylets which are used to rupture leaf cells.  Small patches of cells are killed resulting in a stippling or fine flecking on the upper surface of leaves, giving the leaves a “sandblasted” appearance.  On heavily infested plants, the foliage will become bronzed, bleached, yellow, or grey.  If left untreated, the plants will eventually thin out and die.

Spider mites normally come from excessive moisture and/or dampness.  They are usually a seasonal “bug” with many generations occurring each year. Most customer complaints about this pest come between April and June.  Under optimal conditions, populations can build up very rapidly. Due to their small size entrance into the home can be due to wind blowing them through open windows or through the small holes in screening.

If you suspect you have a spider mite problem, call our office today!