Spider mites attack when temperatures rise

I have some bedding plants that suddenly have turned pale and speckled and are browning out with a little bit of spider webbing. What is this?
When the temperatures heat up, some insects can become very active. The symptoms you describe sound like spider mites. They attack many plants and shrubs, sucking out the moisture almost overnight.
Most plants, flowers, vegetables and both deciduous and non-deciduous shrubs can be affected. If you see symptoms, such as those described in the above question, take a piece of white paper and shake the leaves or limbs of the plant over the paper. If you see any small dots moving, smash them. They will show a red color on the paper. These would be spider mites.
There are a number of sprays for control of spider mites. If using on vegetables, make sure the pesticide is labeled that way.
For more information call the OSU Extension Center, 14001 Acme Road in Shawnee at 273-7683.