• Rose bushes sometimes get spidermites.Juergen Bosse/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Mites are a type of insect that bothers many different types of flowers and plants. However, only the spider mite effects rose bushes. They are a common problem for rose gardeners, but if left unchecked mites can cause a large problem in a short amount of time.
  
  

Identification

• Spider mites live in colonies under the leaves of rose bushes and look like dust to the naked eye. They are approximately the size of a period. Dry, dusty conditions cause higher numbers of these pests. The adult females are the largest of the species and are only 1/20 of an inch long. Adults have eight legs with an oval body, while newly hatched larvae have only six legs. Males and females both have two red eyespots near the front of their bodies but only the female has a large, dark spot on either side of the body, according to the University of California. Their name comes from the fact that they produce silk webbing on any infested leaves.
  
  

Life Cycle

• While spider mites feed and reproduce all year in warmer climates, they generally hibernate when the temperature gets colder and rose bushes go dormant. They reproduce rapidly when the weather gets warm again during June through September. Eggs hatch within four to five days and the entire cycle can usually take between one to three weeks depending on the temperature, according to Oregon State University.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• As spider mites thrive on dusty environments, keeping your rose bushes dust free will help keep these pests at bay. Spray with water lightly to clear away the silk webbing and any eggs on the leaves. Keep rose bushes well watered, as water-stressed plants are less tolerant of these pests. Remove any fallen leaves and twigs as they can serve as hosts for spider mites. If further treatment is needed, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and spray the undersides of the leaves. Broad-spectrum insecticides don't work well against spider mites and can actually cause a flare up as the insecticides kill off their natural enemies.