Peach silver mite

You will notice minute yellow spots appearing on peach and apricot leaves in early spring following bud break. By midsummer, heavily infested foliage takes on a silvery or bronzed appearance as mites feed on leaf undersides. Leaf edges curl toward midribs. Heavy infestations may cause premature leaf drop. These microscopic four-legged mites are difficult to see without magnification and are barely visible to the naked eye.

Dormant season inspections allow targeted treatment before leaves emerge if prior damage was severe. Avoid preventive applications since silver mites serve as early season food for beneficial mites. Successive sampling during dormancy guides spray timing. Natural predatory mites control many populations.