Spider Mites on a Burning Bush

Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is a deciduous shrub native to Asia. It grows between 15 and 20 feet tall and has a rounded form with dark green leaves that turn vibrant red in autumn. Spider mites frequently attack burning bush plants.

Features

Spider mites are arthropods, closely related to spiders and ticks. They have eight legs and oval-shaped bodies. Adult spider mites are around 1/50 inch long and are too small to be clearly seen without magnification. They vary in color depending on the species. They have piercing and sucking mouthparts that they use to extract sap from plants.

Effects

Spider mites feed on the lower surfaces of leaves. Infected burning bush leaves may have yellowish or grayish spots. The foliage may turn red or brown and fall from the plant before the end of the growing season. Spider mites also create a fine coating of webbing over the foliage. Serious infestations cause stunted growth or death.

Control

You can control spider mites by spraying burning bushes with a steady blast of water to dislodge the pests. Purchase and release predatory mites that feed on spider mites, and encourage the presence of insects such as lacewings or lady beetles that feed on spider mites. Water burning bush plants during dry weather and spray foliage with insecticidal soaps or miticides to control infestations.

References

• University of Connecticut: Euonymus Alatus
• Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: Spider Mites and Their Control
• Iowa State University Extension: Bugs on Burning Bush