Honeylocust Spider Mites: Signs, Damage, and Control Guide

Honeylocust spider mites are common pests that can cause significant damage to trees, especially in hot and dry conditions. These tiny mites feed on leaves, leading to discoloration, premature leaf drop, and overall plant stress if left untreated.

The honeylocust spider mite is pale green in color at first. It will turn slightly more yellow in the summer, and then it becomes bright orange when it overwinters. It’s one of the pests to look out for in your garden.

The Lifecycle of a Honeylocust Spider Mite

These types of spider mites will have multiple generations in a season. They overwinter as adult females, and then those females will start to lay eggs on leaves in the early spring. It takes between eight and 17 days for the mites to go from nymph form to adults, and then they will repeat the cycle all over again.

The Damage Caused By Honeylocust Spider Mites

When in nymph form, the spider mites will feed on the leaves that they have broken out of the eggs on. They prefer the underside of the leaves, creating small flecked wounds around the leaves.

Small infestations don’t cause too many issues for the overall plant. Larger infestations lead to the leaves turning an off-yellow color, and the entire crown of the plant can end up discolored.

The leaves will then drop prematurely, usually in the middle of the summer as the outbreaks of mites occur. This can lead to health issues for the overall plant, and you end up with an unsightly plant or tree outside of your window.

Most of the issues happen to the trees planted along the roads or in parking lots. These mites prefer the hot and dry sites, which can help to keep your gardens protected.

Taking Control of a Spider Mite Infestation

There are a few natural enemies of honeylocust spider mites. The bad news is the predators prefer a different type of heat and humidity to the spider mites, leading to them not getting the infestation under control.

You’ll need to use miticides to help deal with the situation. Horticultural oils can be applied to the crown and trunk of a tree during the mites’ dormant season. This helps to make it harder for the overwintering females to lay their eggs in the spring.

If your honeylocust trees are showing signs of spider mite damage, SprayTech can help identify and treat infestations early. Our targeted treatments protect your trees from further stress and decline. Call SprayTech at 720-248-0000 to schedule your service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do honeylocust spider mites look like?
They are tiny mites that change color throughout the year, appearing pale green, yellow in summer, and bright orange when overwintering.

When are honeylocust spider mites most active?
They are most active during warm, dry conditions in spring and summer, with multiple generations each season.

What damage do honeylocust spider mites cause?
They cause leaf discoloration, speckling, premature leaf drop, and overall tree stress during heavy infestations.

How do you control honeylocust spider mites?
Control methods include miticides, horticultural oils during dormancy, and early treatment before populations increase.

Why are spider mites worse in hot, dry areas?
Spider mites thrive in heat and low humidity, which is why they are more common along roadsides and in urban environments.