spider mite infestation on abelia, burning bush - Ask Extension
Hi, My rose creek abelia and burning bush are infested with reddish spider mites. The abelia is already showing signs of decline, such as leaf loss an...
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spider mite infestation on abelia, burning bush #397288
Asked May 02, 2017, 1:13 PM EDT
Hi, My rose creek abelia and burning bush are infested with reddish spider mites. The abelia is already showing signs of decline, such as leaf loss and deadwood. Is there a systemic miticide I can use that will not harm bees and butterflies? The burning bush is too large to spray effectively. If there is not a safe systemic miticide, which sprays or oils are safe? The mites nearly killed the burning bush last year. Yesterday, I discovered that the abelia, next to the burning bush, is suffering too. Last year the abelia was o.k. so I think the mites are spreading. I sprayed lots of insecticidal soap on the burning bush, which was nearly leafless, late last summer. I think I need a more effective method. I've also noticed the webbing and leaf loss on a crape myrtle, located about 10 feet away, for at least three years. When in bloom, the abelia attracts many butterflies and bees so I don't want it to die.
I also found about five or six cream colored cocoon-like structures attached to the abelia. I did not see any insects around the cocoons. They resembled small wasp nests. Do you know what could have created them?
Thank you, Valerie Jackson<personal data hidden>
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Valerie,
We have not ever seen such problems with abelia, and there is no systemic miticide available. Burning bushes can be pruned back severely to control the size. Burning bushes are invasive in our area and we do not recommend planting them. If yours appears to be the source of the issue, you might want to consider replacing it with a different plant.
Can you send us photos of the cocoon-like structures you see in the abelia? Most likely they are the egg cases of praying mantises, which are a good predatory insect. They eat a lot of pest insects and are beneficial to have in the landscape.
Where you do see active mite infestations, you can use 2% horticultural oil and apply it on a cool day. Insecticidal soap is another option. Apply according to the label instructions.
CKC
We have not ever seen such problems with abelia, and there is no systemic miticide available. Burning bushes can be pruned back severely to control the size. Burning bushes are invasive in our area and we do not recommend planting them. If yours appears to be the source of the issue, you might want to consider replacing it with a different plant.
Can you send us photos of the cocoon-like structures you see in the abelia? Most likely they are the egg cases of praying mantises, which are a good predatory insect. They eat a lot of pest insects and are beneficial to have in the landscape.
Where you do see active mite infestations, you can use 2% horticultural oil and apply it on a cool day. Insecticidal soap is another option. Apply according to the label instructions.
CKC
Thank you very much! I think you are correct that the cocoon was a praying mantis egg case. I've attached a photograph. Could you please let me know if it is an egg case?
I have the branches I cut off with the egg cases in a paper bag. I love the praying mantis and would like to try to undo my damage. If I place the cut branch segment with the egg cases back on the abelia, do you think it is possible they might survive? The abelia have red mites. If I spray the bushes with insecticidal soap, and then put the egg cases back in the bush, will the insecticidal soap harm them?
Thank you again, Valerie Jackson
I have the branches I cut off with the egg cases in a paper bag. I love the praying mantis and would like to try to undo my damage. If I place the cut branch segment with the egg cases back on the abelia, do you think it is possible they might survive? The abelia have red mites. If I spray the bushes with insecticidal soap, and then put the egg cases back in the bush, will the insecticidal soap harm them?
Thank you again, Valerie Jackson
Sorry, here is picture of the possible egg case.
Yes, that indeed is a praying mantis egg case. (It's called an ootheca.) We recommend that you place them on other plants throughout your landscape, rather on the abelia shrub you plan to treat with insecticidal soap. An interesting fact about praying mantises: they prey on all types of insects and they are also cannibalistic! So it will help to spread them out to various places in the yard and let them hatch and have their space. Here is additional information about them: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/insects/predators-praying-mantid-mantis
Good luck and send us a photo if you see them emerge!
CKC
Good luck and send us a photo if you see them emerge!
CKC
Thank you! I retrieved the sacs and placed them on other abelias. I may spread them out as you suggested.
You just saved the lives of a bunch of praying mantis. I have a great respect for the praying mantis as I once saw one fight off a cat.
You just saved the lives of a bunch of praying mantis. I have a great respect for the praying mantis as I once saw one fight off a cat.
Great! Thanks for helping them out. Have a great day.
