Tree Mite Treatment Services in Hazleton, PA

The Most Common Mite Species That Affect Trees

Mites come in various species, each with unique behaviors and preferences when it comes to the trees and shrubs they infest. Below are some of the most common mite species that may wreak havoc on your trees:

Spider Mites

These are perhaps the most well-known plant-feeding mites. The two-spotted spider mite is a particularly troublesome species that can affect a wide range of plants, including fruit trees and ornamental plants. Their feeding habits cause visible discoloration on leaves and reduce photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth and long-term damage.

Clover Mites

These tiny red mites prefer feeding on trees and other plants in the spring and fall when conditions are cooler. They are typically found in large numbers and can quickly spread across host plants, causing leaves to wither and drop.

Southern Red Mite

Often seen on evergreens and broadleaf plants such as azaleas, roses, and rhododendrons, southern red mites thrive in cooler climates and are known to prey on trees during the fall. Damage often manifests in leaves turning gray or dusty in appearance. Detecting these pests can be especially difficult as adult females lay eggs on the undersides of leaves. Fortunately, no matter which type of mite species you’re dealing with, our specialists can pinpoint the infestation and provide effective pest control treatments.

Signs Your Trees Are Affected by Mites

Because mites are so small, the first sign of an infestation is often the damage they leave behind. Monitoring your trees and shrubs regularly is key to catching a problem before it becomes severe. Common signs that your trees are being attacked by mites include:

• Discolored Leaves: One of the most obvious signs of mite damage is the appearance of dots or speckles on the leaves of infested plants. These tiny dots are where the mites have pierced the leaf surface to feed, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
• Webbing: Spider mites, true to their name, produce fine silk webbing around leaves and between branches.
• Leaf Drop: As mite infestations progress, affected leaves may begin to fall prematurely. This is especially noticeable in fruit trees and other deciduous plants. It’s important to note that this issue isn’t just unsightly — it also leaves your trees vulnerable to other pests and diseases, as the loss of foliage weakens their ability to photosynthesize and store energy.
• Stunted Growth: Heavily infested plants often experience slowed growth, as the mites sap nutrients from the tree. If you notice that your trees are not flourishing as they should be, mites could be to blame.
• Visible Mites: While most mites are too small to see with the naked eye, large populations might be visible as tiny moving dots on leaves, especially when viewed against a white background, like a white sheet of paper.