Two-Spotted Spider Mite on Strawberry
Return to Insects and Other Arthropod Pests
Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) occurs on many cultivated and weedy plants. These mites can overwinter on undersides of leaves close to the ground. Mites feed by piercing tissue with their mouthparts and extracting cell contents. Damaged leaves take on a stippled or bronzed appearance. When populations are high, visible webbing may be present on leaf undersides and between leaflets and stems. Mite feeding reduces plant vigor and yield; stunting and/or death may follow.
Two-spotted spider mite adult female with eggs.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Plant stunting caused by two-spotted spider mites.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Close-up of two-spotted spider mite damage.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Leaf stippling and bronzing caused by two-spotted spider mites.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Webbing caused by two-spotted spider mites.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Minimize mite habitats; manage weeds around plantings.
- Scout weekly.
- Apply a foliar miticide targeting the underside of the leaves when needed.
