The Burning Bush Is Dropping Leaves Early

Twospotted Spider Mite

• Twospotted spider mites are the most common insect problem of burning bushes. These tiny arachnids are difficult to see with the naked eye, but their damage is unmistakable. Spider mites feed on the underside of leaves, causing silver or yellow spots to appear on the surface of the leaf. Burning bush leaves prematurely turn red and eventually drop from the plant.

Spider Mite Control

• Spider mites often seek out plants that are stressed. Burning bushes in optimal health will be less attractive to spider mites. If spider mites persist despite proper care, you may be able to dislodge them by spraying the bushes twice a week with a garden hose. Insecticidal soaps can be effective if applied thoroughly and often. Horticultural oils are not generally effective control for twospotted spider mites.

Winged Euonymous Scale

• Winged euonymous scale is a very host specific pest, preferring E. alatus to other members of this family. Scale are visible, but often hide among the plants bark ridges, making detection difficult. Scale damage causes leaf drop as well as branch die back. These oystershell-shaped pests are approximately 1/16 inch long and coated in a hard protective layer.

Scale Control

• Remove infected branches if your burning bush only has a minor scale infestation that is confined to a small part of the bush. Few pesticides are effective against adult armored scales, but larvae can be destroyed with foliar pesticides if they are applied often. One of the most effective general treatments for scale is the use of systemic insecticides, such as imidacloprid. Water your burning bush well after applying a systemic insecticide to encourage the plant to take up the chemical.