From: Stephen B. Bambara and James R. Baker, Extension Entomologists
The southern red mite is the most common spider mite pest of
hollies and other broad leaved evergreens in the landscape.
However, these pests usually do not cause dieback. The southern
red mite is one of the cool weather mites. Southern red mites do
most of their damage in spring and fall. They are relatively
inactive in cold weather and often die out in bitterly cold weather
(and very hot weather). Only the eggs survive these inclement
weather periods. One of the horticultural oils should give
adequate control of these mites. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note Number 77 has additional information on the biology and control of
these mites.
Web page last updated on April 1, 1997 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr..
