Lots of these flies all over my plants - Ask Extension
Something is eating on my lime light hydrangea and yellow twig dogwood and I am seeing a to of these flies all over my plants.
What are they and how ...
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Lots of these flies all over my plants #332854
Asked June 16, 2016, 1:31 AM EDT
Something is eating on my lime light hydrangea and yellow twig dogwood and I am seeing a to of these flies all over my plants.
What are they and how do I protect my plants safely?
County Minnesota
Expert Response
The photos lack the detail needed to identify the flies with certainty. However, they are not capable of chewing or otherwise causing the plant damage you mentioned.
If you reply to this message and attach sharp closeup photos of the damaged leaves, we might be able to help.
It's easy to overlook plant damage until it's very noticeable. By that time whatever caused the problem may have completed its life cycle and no longer be present. Besides that, some pests feed only at night or camouflage and conceal themselves.
Please contact us again if you spot other pests that might be causing the damage.
If you reply to this message and attach sharp closeup photos of the damaged leaves, we might be able to help.
It's easy to overlook plant damage until it's very noticeable. By that time whatever caused the problem may have completed its life cycle and no longer be present. Besides that, some pests feed only at night or camouflage and conceal themselves.
Please contact us again if you spot other pests that might be causing the damage.
Thank you for you quick response
Here are some pictures of my leafs (sorry the best I can do with my camera) it is by no means the majority of my leafs on either the Hydrangea or Dogwood and would like to get it before it is. . I can now see some webs and am assuming spider mite (it's redish). But not sure if that is the only problem.
Thank you for you quick response
Here are some pictures of my leafs (sorry the best I can do with my camera) it is by no means the majority of my leafs on either the Hydrangea or Dogwood and would like to get it before it is. . I can now see some webs and am assuming spider mite (it's redish). But not sure if that is the only problem.
The photo shows a spider, not a spider mite. Spiders are beneficial to people in so far as they feed on potentially harmful insect pests.
The leaf in the middle photo is tattered. The light colored or brownish edges of the cut area indicate that the damage didn't occur recently. Tatters are usually a result of abrasion caused by wind, hail or some other impact.
The leaf hole probably was caused by an insect or slug. So long as the damage isn't progressive (continuing unabated over time) and is limited to a relatively few leaves, there is no reason to worry. Although such damage is unsightly, it has little or no effect on the plant's health.
The leaf in the middle photo is tattered. The light colored or brownish edges of the cut area indicate that the damage didn't occur recently. Tatters are usually a result of abrasion caused by wind, hail or some other impact.
The leaf hole probably was caused by an insect or slug. So long as the damage isn't progressive (continuing unabated over time) and is limited to a relatively few leaves, there is no reason to worry. Although such damage is unsightly, it has little or no effect on the plant's health.
