Red spider mite often occur during a long spell of hot weather.
Symptoms
It is difficult to detect red spider mite in the early stages. Rarely seen in early spring it makes an appearance as plants mature and the weather warms up.
These pests are not spiders but probably get their name from the webs that appear in the later stages of an infestation. The mites are almost invisible to the naked eye but quite obvious under a magnifying glass as tiny whitish flecks moving around under the leaves and in the web-like structures. The underside of the fuchsia leaves take on a bronzed look. As time goes on the leaves turn brown and shrivel up, eventually falling off the plant which can die if the infestation is sufficiently advanced before it is noticed.
Treatment
This problem is best caught early if the plants are to be saved. In hot weather fuchsias should all be outside as red spider mite spreads like wildfire in the greenhouse. Regular hygiene routines and spraying with a good insecticide will go a long way towards keeping the mite under control but it is notoriously difficult to find a totally effective spray. Examination of the underside of leaves will reveal the bronze effect before the damage is too far advanced for treatment. Spray lightly to keep plants moist.
At the end of a long hot summer many plants will be showing signs of red spider mite infestation but most will survive.
Destroy badly infected plants and isolate the rest. These should be defoliated (leaves stripped) and cut back. Winter is a good remedy as the mite is unlikely to survive cold weather- try again next year!
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