How to Prevent Winter Mite Damage

How many times have you looked at your lawn after the winter and noticed patches of dead grass? We see this kind of damage on the majority of lawns in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas that don’t receive proper lawn care or maintenance through the winter months. 

One of the most common causes of winter desiccation, or “winter kill”, in Colorado’s arid climate is the winter mite. Winter mites are small insects that reside in Kentucky Bluegrass lawns and cause damage to the turf, causing severe damage or killing your lawn entirely. The Banks Grass Mite is the most prevalent culprit when it comes to mite damage in our area.

Preventative Lawn Care

Unfortunately, recognizing mites in the lawn with the naked eye is extremely difficult, if not impossible. These mites are usually found on the South and West sides of the property that lie in direct sunlight. Mites are merely about half a millimeter and are greenish in color, so they blend right in with your turf. This means the focus needs to be on preventative lawn care treatment rather than curative treatment since you will not notice them until the damage is done. 

Maintenance & Professional Care

Luckily, preventing winter mites and the damage they cause is easier than you might think. One of the most important things is the winter watering of your turf. Mites like dry conditions. Watering the lawn every two to four weeks through the winter months will help deter them. The most effective way to prevent these pests, however, is our Winter Mite Suppression Program. This lawn care treatment, combined with a good watering routine will prevent any mite damage in the future.

If you suspect you have a mite infestation in your lawn, or if you want to get ahead of the game, contact us today to inquire about our Winter Mite Suppression Program!