Drought like conditions in parts of Minnesota are leading to the development of spider mites which mostly damage soybeans and can also impact corn. University of Minnesota Extension Integrated Pest Management Specialist Bruce Potter says the biggest problem right now are the spider mites.

He says there are two species of spider mites that are infesting both soybeans and corn.

Potter says there are some chemical treatments producers can use to battle the spider mites including lorsban and bipenfren.

He says besides the spider mites the other problem popping up are soybean aphids.

Spider mites thrive in heat with reproduction hitting its top levels when the temperatures are between 85 and 95 degrees.