The SizeThey are about the size of a grain of sugar. You usually see their damage before you see the mite.
The SignLook for "stippling" (tiny yellow or white dots) on leaves and needles. In heavy infestations, you will see very fine, dusty webbing draped over the plant.
The Drought ConnectionSpider mites thrive in hot, dry, and dusty conditions. Utah’s climate is perfect for them.
Rapid BreedingIn 90°F+ weather, a spider mite can go from egg to adult in just 5 days, leading to a population explosion that can brown an entire evergreen tree in a week.
Is my Alberta Spruce dying?If it's turning brown from the inside out and feels "dusty," it's likely spider mites. You can check by shaking a branch over a white piece of paper; if the "dust" starts crawling, you have mites.
