Spiders Are Attacking My Roses

Two-Spotted Spider Mite

• Two-spotted spider mites are barely visible to the naked eye, but can damage roses if not controlled. They feed on the leaves of roses, puncturing them to get to the juices inside. Spider mites are about the size of a large grain of sand. They come in several different colors, including red, green and yellow. Upon close inspection, or magnification, the mites look like miniature spiders, complete with eight legs. They are capable of spinning webs.

Signs of Infestation

• A combination of dying leaves and webs on the underside of the leaves are signs that a rose bush is infested with spider mites. Leaves will start out looking stippled, yellow or rust-colored. Eventually they will curl up, turn brown and fall from the rose bush. Webs may not be obvious in the early stages of infestation or in light infestations. Over time, however, the underside of leaves and the area between leaves will become covered in thin spider webs.

Treatment

• The easiest way to treat for spider mites is to spray the rose bush with a strong stream of water. Make sure to spray the underside of leaves where the spider mites live. Repeat the process several times. An insecticide soap can also be effective. Mix together 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap in 1 gallon of water and spray the mixture on the plant, especially the underside of the leaves. Other effective insecticides include dicofol, hexythiazox and bifenthrin.

Prevention

• Infestations can be reduced or prevented by removing dead leaves and branches that may have fallen around the base of the plant, especially in the fall. Weeds and other debris should also be cleared away since spider mites spend the winter sheltered in dead leaves and other debris. Proper care and keeping roses healthy will also reduce spider mite infestations. Water and fertilize your roses regularly and keep a fresh layer of mulch around the rose bush.