- Bamboo plants infested with spider mites typically have pale yellow or tan lesions on the leaf surface. Leaves can develop darker blotches as well. As infestations worsen over time, the mites develop webbing that resembles spiderwebs. You can see the webbing on bamboo plant stalks or leaves with your naked eye.
- Larger numbers of bamboo spider mites have been found on plants growing in the Western and Southeastern United States than in the Northeastern and Central states, although these mites can feed on indoor bamboo in other areas. Infestations may peak seasonally; Rutgers University horticulturists warn that bamboo spider mites can infest plants in the winter.
- Use insecticidal soap to treat bamboo plants. Apply the soap regularly, following the application instructions and dosage frequency on your product. If you have multiple bamboo plants, isolate the one that has mites so it cannot infect other plants. Check your other plants for signs of mite infestation so you can treat them. It takes 14 to 21 days for a new generation of bamboo mites to hatch so an untreated problem will grow out of hand.
- Some plant nurseries have spider mite problems, while others are mite free. Since you can't know whether your nursery has a problem with bamboo spider mites unless they tell you -- and some do -- quarantine any new bamboo plants for two to three weeks. Look over the plants for signs of mite damage and treat infested plants. Once you apply insecticidal soap and kill the infestation, you can remove the plant from quarantine. If you do not notice any evidence of plant bugs, you can release the plant from quarantine after two to three weeks.
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