What is red spider?

Red spider, or Spider mites (European red mite, Panonychus ulmi), are small red insects that populate apricot leaves in mid and late summer, causing a yellow stippling effect on the leaves due to the deplenishment of chlorophyll. They also produce fine silk webbing that becomes visible when many red spiders are present. They hatch from eggs that have overwintered in bark crevices on the tree, with many generations appearing from spring to autumn. They can colonize other trees by wind transport.

spider mite
Photo by Gilles San Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0

How to deal with red spider on apricots

Usually, red spiders are kept under control by natural predators. If necessary, insecticidal soap or fatty acid sprays can be used.

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