Question
QUESTION: We have a pomegranate tree that is covered with spiders and webs and now all the buds fell off tree. We have washed it with soap and water but didn't seem to help. Any help appreciated. Thank You!

ANSWER: Liz,

Are these spiders or spider mites? Spiders are predators and should not hurt a tree in any way. Spider mites, on the other hand, feed on plant leaves and can severely damage the host plant. Spider mites are very small often dark colored mites that feed below a webbing. Here's a link to spider mite information and control http://www.livingwithbugs.com/spider_mites.html that may be useful.

If the damage is severe the tree may take a year or more to recover even after the mites are controlled. Use insecticidal soap, not ordinary soap, to eliminate the mites. Here's a link to using soaps http://www.livingwithbugs.com/insecticidal_soap.html for landscape pest control.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
Extension Entomologist (ret.)
My website about home and garden pests: http://www.livingwithbugs.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i don't think they are spider mites,they are bigger then that.The leaf's on the tree are still looking really good but most the red flowers have fallen off.Is that normal?

Answer
Liz,

I'm afraid I don't know much about pomegranate but this may be a normal thing for the flowers to fall off after pollination. You might google "pomegranate" and see what's written about this plant.

If you post a picture of the spiders I may be able to help identify them.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
Extension Entomologist (ret.)
My website about home and garden pests: http://www.livingwithbugs.com