Pest identification
What's eating my parsons juniper?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae / Oligonychus spp.)
Signs: Bronzing and stippling of foliage, especially inner branches; fine webbing in summer
Control: Spray horticultural oil or miticide; water well during drought; repeat at 7-day intervals
Juniper scale (Carulaspis juniperi)
Signs: White, waxy encrustations on stems; general yellowing and twig dieback
Control: Apply horticultural oil in spring at crawler stage; prune heavily infested stems
Bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
Signs: Spindle-shaped silk bags on branches; defoliation of shoot tips
Control: Hand-remove bags from autumn through winter; spray Bt or spinosad when larvae hatch
Deer
Signs: Browsing of foliage and shoot tips, particularly during winter when food is scarce
Control: Deer fencing or repellent sprays; plant alongside deer-resistant species as a deterrent
Keep parsons juniper pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Parsons Juniper pests — FAQ
What is eating my parsons juniper?
Parsons Juniper is most commonly troubled by spider mites in hot, dry conditions, which cause bronzing of the scale-like foliage. Juniper scale and bagworms are also significant threats. Deer readily browse low-spreading junipers. Inspect in early summer and treat spider mites with horticultural oil; hand-pick bagworm cases in winter.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae / oligonychus spp.) on parsons juniper?
Bronzing and stippling of foliage, especially inner branches; fine webbing in summer Spray horticultural oil or miticide; water well during drought; repeat at 7-day intervals
How do I get rid of juniper scale (carulaspis juniperi) on parsons juniper?
White, waxy encrustations on stems; general yellowing and twig dieback Apply horticultural oil in spring at crawler stage; prune heavily infested stems
How do I get rid of bagworm (thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) on parsons juniper?
Spindle-shaped silk bags on branches; defoliation of shoot tips Hand-remove bags from autumn through winter; spray Bt or spinosad when larvae hatch
How do I get rid of deer on parsons juniper?
Browsing of foliage and shoot tips, particularly during winter when food is scarce Deer fencing or repellent sprays; plant alongside deer-resistant species as a deterrent