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What's Bleaching my Rebud #840014

Asked July 10, 2023, 8:50 PM EDT

The leaves on my redbud are full of patchy bleached out areas (see photo). There are also a lot of insects (not mites) on the leaves. The insects appear to have white immature form and gray/black adult form that both sit on the leaves and swarm around under the tree like gnats. The adults are ~1mm long and narrow. I have attached microscopic images of the immature and adult forms. the adult got a little bit mangled. It appears to have a gray black camo pattern on its outer wings. What is this and how do I manage it?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Gary,

I believe you have spider mites.

https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7405.html

I would go ahead and spray your tree with insecticidal soap, maybe a few times really getting all of it coated. Be sure to water your tree with a 5 gallon soak if your not getting rain. The trees are getting so stressed and that gives the bugs an advantage.

I hope this helps,

Sally Granath

St. Louis MG

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 14, 2023, 10:08 PM EDT

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