Bamboo Spider Mite

Fine stippling and yellowing on bamboo leaves, progressing to bronzed, dry foliage in summer, signals bamboo spider mite activity. You will see fine webbing on leaf undersides when populations are high. These mites thrive in the warm, dry conditions of late summer and can build rapidly on water-stressed bamboo in Western Washington landscapes.

Regular overhead watering during dry spells disrupts mite colonies and creates unfavorable conditions for population growth. Strong water sprays from a hose knock mites off foliage. Predatory mites provide effective biological control when conserved. Horticultural oil applied at the first sign of stippling reduces populations before damage becomes severe.