I have an eight year old potted pink grapefruit in my Vancouver apartment. For a few years (since I have lived here) I have had a problem with a really tiny white mite-like bug attacking the leaves and especially new shoots. They form webs and are almost invisible. The kill new shoots and cause leaves to curl / die. I don't like pesticides and have been using a mild dish-soap solution, but that gives the leaves black spots eventually (if the bugs are really bad). They have been gone for a while and the tree has all new shoots, but I noticed this morning that they are back on some tips. Does anyone have any idea what these bugs are (I believe they are the same ones that killed my roses) and if there is any thing I can use to get rid of them for good that isn't too toxic? thanks
See if these first two links below fit the symptoms you are seeing on your tree. The last link has more insects for you to track down if need be. It seems you have a Mite infestation of some sort but I threw in the Mealybugs as we get them every now and then on our Orchids grown indoors. http://axp.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r107300511.html http://axp.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r107400311.html http://axp.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/selectnewpest.citrus.html Jim
Dear Jim, Thanks for your help. I believe they are Sixspotted mites and will pick up some wetted sulphur for them. All the best Judi
