Question
QUESTION: I live in Thomasville, Georgia.  I read with interest your response to a question involving webs on yaupons, as my plants are suffering from the same condition.  For the past year, I have been trying to identify the cause of dying round spots of foliage that are 10 to 12 inches in diameter.  You identified the problem as either spider mites or whiteflies.  My question is whether the systemic treatments you recommended at the end of your answer will work for both pests, as I'm having trouble identifying which culprit is at work on my yaupons.  I would greatly appreciate your advice, as my plants are part of an attractive, mature bed right in front of my house, and therefore very visible.  I have already pulled up one plant but would prefer to save my remaining plants, if possible, since they are large and otherwise healthy.  You are generous to volunteer your expertise, and I anticipate your reply with hope that I can save my plants.

ANSWER: Yes the systemic insecticide will wotk on both since they suck the plant juices that will contain the insecticide. Now is the time to treat them since the sap is moving up to the folaige.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mr. Hyland,

Thanks for your previous answer.  I took some yuaupon samples to the County Extension agent.  We looked under the microscope and definitely identified spider mites.  He advised, as you did, a systemic with the ingredient imidacloprid.  I called around, could not obtain DiSyston, but talked with a man about Marathon.  He read the label, and spider mites were not listed.  He called the company and was told that there is no systemic insecticide that will kill spider mites.  He contacted a man who wants to spray the plants professionally.  I imagine that professional spraying will be out of my price range.  Is he misleading me by saying there is no systemic that works on spider mites?  I want to save my plants, but now I don't know what to do.  I would appreciate your help.

A second question:  The boxwoods in the same bed aren't looking well, either.  Are spider mites a common pest for these plants also?  

Thanks, Liz Robinson

Answer
Here is a product that will work.
Bayer Advanced?3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control Ready-To-Use抯 exclusive triple-protection formula provides long-lasting control against insects, diseases and mites in one easy step. Systemic, rainproof protection lasts up to 30 days. It kills insects, cures and prevents diseases, and controls mites and spider mites. Bayer Advanced?3-in-1 Insect, Disease and Mite Control can be used on roses, flowers, houseplants, ground covers, vines, ornamentals, shrubs and trees. It comes in ready-to-use and concentrate.

Might also try Ortho Systemic Insect Killer 0.5% EC or Ortho Orthenex Garden Insect & Disease Control 0.75% EC.
Yes boxwoods can get spider mites too. I would expect this to be the case.