spider mites...why just me?

11 years ago

No one in my neighborhood has this problem. We moved into our house in August 2011. Our biggest problem was the Dwarf Alberta Spruce this summer. I blasted water through the webs every few weeks and it seemed to minimize the problem. I haven't done it in quite a while and now I'm seeing the webs all over my shrubs. I thought that mites like hot and dry environments. This past week in NJ has been cool and damp with a few bouts of rain so I don't understand why I'm seeing more and more webs every morning.

Any explanations or recommendations?

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Comments (10)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
those are spider webs.. not mite webs ...

look at each one.. and you can see the tunnel that goes into the bush ..

sometimes.. you can twiggle the web at an edge.. very gently.. and the spider will come out to see what prey is there ..

IGNORE THEM .... the spider.. its a predator.. think of that web as mother natures chemical bug remover.. its organic ....

if the webs bother you.. pick them off ... perhaps with a 10 foot pole .. lol .. most jsut use a broom or rake ...

and.. as with your post.. insure a proper ID ... before you react ...

this is extremely common in fall because the spider is mature/big .. and because the ambient dew.. highlights the web itself ...

ken

ps: this is not some mother nature conspiracy against you .. as your title suggests.. lol
coeng
Original Author
11 years ago
Ken, thanks for the humorous response. I assumed it was spider mites because the spider webs I'm used to seeing around my garage are not so tightly woven. But seriously, why just me? No one else has them. As I drive to work I check out every house on the street and nada. I guess I should think of these webs as free Halloween decor.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
because you provide a healthy environment ..???

ken
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
Fall is spider season :-) All manner of species of spiders spin their webs now (maybe why these creatures ARE so popular at Halloween!). I can't go out in my garden without some sort of 'weapon' to deflect the webs that stretch across every walkway and connect every shrub. I even have to machete my way through to my car each morning, as it seems they build webs every night.

Honestly, the vast majority of spiders are beneficial creatures that are excellent at pest control. I'd bet if you looked hard, you find some in your neighbors' yards as well. At least those that don't rush for the spray bottle every time they see a spider!
coeng
Original Author
11 years ago
Okay, this is a good thing then. How can I tell the difference between these webs and spider mite webs?
mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
11 years ago
Spider mite webs are practically invisible.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
in my garden.. i dont know i have SMites.. until the needles turn brown .. lol ...

diagnosis is NOT a web thing ...

ken
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years ago
Stippling on leaves would indicate spider mites.
User
11 years ago
For whatever reason, big spiders seem awfully numerous this year in my NJ garden. Maybe due to last year's mild winter.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
Halloween is just around the corner....the spiders are decorating nicely for you. Thoughtful.