Q. About a year ago you helped us diagnose a spider mite
problem on our creosote bush. We took care of that as you directed. The results
were encouraging and seemed to get the problem under control. However, we think
the mites have come back with a vengeance and considering a severe pruning to
revive it.
problem on our creosote bush. We took care of that as you directed. The results
were encouraging and seemed to get the problem under control. However, we think
the mites have come back with a vengeance and considering a severe pruning to
revive it.
 |
| Creosotebush cut down probably with a grader in the front and unpruned creosote bushes in the back. |
A. Creosotebush
can be cut back to a few inches above the ground and it will grow back after a
few occasional waterings. Look at the creosotebushes mowed off near desert
roads probably by a road grader from the DOT. Because they were cut down and
got some extra water from the road when it rained, they came back like
gangbusters; dense and green.
can be cut back to a few inches above the ground and it will grow back after a
few occasional waterings. Look at the creosotebushes mowed off near desert
roads probably by a road grader from the DOT. Because they were cut down and
got some extra water from the road when it rained, they came back like
gangbusters; dense and green.
Predator/Prey
What
concerns me more is why the spider mites got out of control in the first place.
Creosotebush has its share of spider mites naturally, but they are frequently
controlled by predators such as other insects and mites. However, in your case,
the balance between “good guys” and “bad guys” got out of hand with the “bad
guys” winning.
concerns me more is why the spider mites got out of control in the first place.
Creosotebush has its share of spider mites naturally, but they are frequently
controlled by predators such as other insects and mites. However, in your case,
the balance between “good guys” and “bad guys” got out of hand with the “bad
guys” winning.
The
problem with spraying a pesticide is killing off the “good guys”, then the “bad
guys” get out of control because few or no predators are left. So, we usually
avoid spraying pesticides unless we don’t have any choice.
problem with spraying a pesticide is killing off the “good guys”, then the “bad
guys” get out of control because few or no predators are left. So, we usually
avoid spraying pesticides unless we don’t have any choice.
Cutting Back Creosote
I like
your idea of cutting it back and letting it regrow. But I think you also must do
something different or the spider mites will just be back again.
your idea of cutting it back and letting it regrow. But I think you also must do
something different or the spider mites will just be back again.
Weed Control
Control
weeds in the area. Spider mites like to feed on many kinds of plants including
weeds, and these can play host to a growing population of “bad guys”. Secondly,
be careful of watering too often. Creosote bush should never be on an automatic
irrigation system because it just doesn’t like to be watered that often. Water
it no often than four times a year with three of those irrigations during the
hot months.
weeds in the area. Spider mites like to feed on many kinds of plants including
weeds, and these can play host to a growing population of “bad guys”. Secondly,
be careful of watering too often. Creosote bush should never be on an automatic
irrigation system because it just doesn’t like to be watered that often. Water
it no often than four times a year with three of those irrigations during the
hot months.