Expert: Greg Simpson - 5/6/2006

Question
I have two types of yucca cactus and both are infested with a small red headed beetle about 1/8 inch long.  Most of the time they are concentrated at the base of the spines, but come out on the spines late in the day.  The spines of the plants are weaker and do not stand as stiff anymore.  What can I do to get rid of the little pests?

Answer
Dear Ann,

This sounds like spider mites to me. I don't know too much about pests like these, but I did find a webpage that might help. Check out: http://www.ehow.com/how_6942_control-spider-mites.html

Hopefully this is what you have (it is really hard to tell without actually seeing the bugs). Hopefully this website will have a treatment that will help. Good Luck!

Sincerely,

Greg