QuestionHi, i have a Holly that has a spider web problem. I don't see any bugs.I do see clusters of webs with old dead leaves. The webs are thick like a pupa or cocoon. They are spreading to surrounding bushes. Some of the branches on the one plant are turning black. I have been wiping them off when i do my yard work or pruning. How can i get rid of them?
Answer Sounds like spider mites.
Spider mites have tiny mouthparts modified for piercing individual plant cells and removing the contents. This results in tiny yellow or white speckles. When many of these feeding spots occur near each other, the foliage takes on a yellow or bronzed cast. Once the foliage of a plant becomes bronzed, it often drops prematurely.
Heavily infested plants may be discolored, stunted or even killed. Web producing spider mites may coat the foliage with the fine silk which collects dust and looks dirty.
Spray the foliage with a miticide making sure you wet both sides of the leaves. Miticides Spider mites are usually not killed by regular insecticides, so be sure to check the pesticide label to see if "miticide" is present. Pesticides claiming "for mite suppression" are usually weak miticides and will not perform well. There are few products available to the homeowner. Dicofol (=Kelthane) is registered for over-the-counter use but is difficult to find. Acephate (=Orthene), dimethoate (=Cygon), chlorpyrifos (=Dursban), diazinon, disulfoton (=Di-syston), and malathion have over-the-counter product labels but are considered weak miticides.
