Which pest is most likely to affect shrubs?

Which pest is most likely to affect shrubs?

• A. Whiteflies
• B. Aphids
• C. Spider mites
• D. Scale insects

Answer: (C)

Spider mites are the most likely pest on shrubs because they thrive on the dense foliage and warm, dry conditions typical of many landscapes. These tiny arachnids feed on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and bronzing of the foliage. As populations explode, you may see fine webbing on the leaf surfaces, especially along the veins and on the undersides. Shrubs provide abundant growth and protected microhabitats that let spider mites move quickly from branch to branch, making infestations common on woody ornamentals. While whiteflies, aphids, and scale insects can affect shrubs as well, their typical impact is less pervasive on established woody plants under ordinary landscape conditions. Whiteflies are more associated with herbaceous or greenhouse ornamentals and produce a flutter of tiny insects; aphids often distort new growth and excrete honeydew; scale insects attach to stems with protective coverings and spread more slowly.

Spider mites are the most likely pest on shrubs because they thrive on the dense foliage and warm, dry conditions typical of many landscapes. These tiny arachnids feed on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and bronzing of the foliage. As populations explode, you may see fine webbing on the leaf surfaces, especially along the veins and on the undersides. Shrubs provide abundant growth and protected microhabitats that let spider mites move quickly from branch to branch, making infestations common on woody ornamentals. While whiteflies, aphids, and scale insects can affect shrubs as well, their typical impact is less pervasive on established woody plants under ordinary landscape conditions. Whiteflies are more associated with herbaceous or greenhouse ornamentals and produce a flutter of tiny insects; aphids often distort new growth and excrete honeydew; scale insects attach to stems with protective coverings and spread more slowly.