Do Spider Webs on a Plant Contribute to Spider Mites?
Although spider mites are arachnids and close relatives to spiders, spider webs on a plant do not contribute to, or attract, spider mites. The four-legged insects create a fine silk webbing that is often mistaken for a spider web. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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There are several types of spider mites, including two-spotted, spruce, clover, honeylocust, southern red, boxwood and oak. Southern red and spruce spider mites thrive in cool fall and spring weather, while others do best in warm summer weather.
Signs of Infestation
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Fine, silky mats of webbing are found on the stems and leaves of an infested plant or tree. The heaviest webbing is shelter for the eggs that the spider mite lays on the underside of a leaf. This is not a spider web, nor do spider mites utilize webs spun by spiders on plants.
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Considerations
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A mass of spider mite webbing indicates a heavy infestation of spider mites. The presence of spider webs offers no clue to spider mites' presence. The mites attack and feed on many types of garden plants along with trees and shrubs.
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References
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