Pest identification
What's eating my wiltoni juniper?
Spider mites (Oligonychus / Tetranychus spp.)
Signs: Silver-blue foliage turns bronze or rusty-brown; fine webbing across branch mats in dry conditions
Control: Water deeply in drought; apply horticultural oil or miticide; repeat at 7-day intervals until clear
Juniper scale (Carulaspis juniperi)
Signs: White crusty encrustations on stems; yellowing needles and twig dieback in affected patches
Control: Horticultural oil spray in early spring at crawler stage; prune and dispose of infested stems
Bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
Signs: Silk bags visible on branches; defoliation of shoot tips in late summer
Control: Hand-pick bags in autumn and winter; spray Bt or spinosad when larvae hatch in late spring
Deer and rabbits
Signs: Browsing of foliage and shoot tips across the low carpet; damage often widespread in winter
Control: Deer repellent spray reapplied after rain; wire mesh guards on young plants; fencing in high-pressure areas
Keep wiltoni juniper pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Wiltoni Juniper pests — FAQ
What is eating my wiltoni juniper?
Wiltoni Juniper (Blue Rug) is a ground-hugging spreading juniper most commonly attacked by spider mites, which turn the intense silver-blue foliage rusty brown in hot, dry summers. Juniper scale, bagworms, and deer are secondary threats. Its flat, carpeting habit means deer and rabbits can browse it easily — protect young plants with repellent.
How do I get rid of spider mites (oligonychus / tetranychus spp.) on wiltoni juniper?
Silver-blue foliage turns bronze or rusty-brown; fine webbing across branch mats in dry conditions Water deeply in drought; apply horticultural oil or miticide; repeat at 7-day intervals until clear
How do I get rid of juniper scale (carulaspis juniperi) on wiltoni juniper?
White crusty encrustations on stems; yellowing needles and twig dieback in affected patches Horticultural oil spray in early spring at crawler stage; prune and dispose of infested stems
How do I get rid of bagworm (thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) on wiltoni juniper?
Silk bags visible on branches; defoliation of shoot tips in late summer Hand-pick bags in autumn and winter; spray Bt or spinosad when larvae hatch in late spring
How do I get rid of deer and rabbits on wiltoni juniper?
Browsing of foliage and shoot tips across the low carpet; damage often widespread in winter Deer repellent spray reapplied after rain; wire mesh guards on young plants; fencing in high-pressure areas