Question
Hello
 I keep a vegetable garden. Over the past 2 weeks I notice the end shoots of the raspberry clump having their leaves bunched up and shriveled and having cobwebs and in this mass there  is a spider, red-brown an up to an inch long. This has spread to some okra plants nearby. I have also observed this on nearby maple trees, or is it sycamore?
How can I get rid of this ugly beast?

Answer
Hello Newton,
First I would simply kill any spider you see in the area.  Next, I am not sure that diatomaceous earth will help, but that's my first choice of natural pest control.  I don't know what your weather has been like, but if there is no burn ban, I would burn the webs out of the trees, if the leaves are green.  If you're looking at dead trees, don't strike a match.  Boric acid is another natural pesticide that I think is hazardous to spiders.
I hope the ugly beast is gone soon.
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.covenantsanctuary.net