How to Spot Signs of Spider Mite Damage
Have you ever noticed mysterious damage to your lawn that seems to appear out of nowhere? You might be dealing with lawn mites, which are small pests that can do big damage to your lawn. These pests, known as spider mites, thrive in dry conditions, making Colorado lawns prime real estate! To protect your grass, it’s important to know how to spot them, and the best ways to get rid of spider mites in your Colorado lawn.
What are Spider Mites?
Spider mites are a common pest for Colorado lawns and plants. They’re considered arachnids like spiders, ticks, or scorpions. While they’re very small and hard to even see with the naked eye, they can do severe damage to your turfgrass. Keep an eye out for these small, reddish-brown pests in your grass. You may need a magnifying glass to inspect areas you suspect damage.
Types of Lawn Mites:
There are different types of mites with varying features and preferences. Understanding the different types of spider mites can help you control infestations and prevent damage. Some mites prefer plants, trees, or shrubs, and others are more common in the lawn.
Twospotted Spider Mite
Properly named, the two-spotted spider mite has two dark spots on its body. Its most common preference is in house plants and gardens. A lot of webbing around the plant leaves is a surefire sign of this mite.
Banks Grass Mite
The banks grass mite can cause significant damage to lawns throughout the growing season. They thrive in dry conditions and often feed on drought-stressed grass.
Clover Mites
Clover mites are considered cool-season mites since they breed from fall through May. They are extremely small, and range from reddish-brown to dark green, making them very difficult to spot. These pests can cause damage to lawns that appear in irregular brown patches.
What Does Spider Mite Damage Look Like?
Spider mite damage appears as discoloration or stippling on plant leaves, or straw-colored patches of grass. Mites use their mouthparts to suck sap and vital nutrients from the plant. If left untreated, spider mite infestations can lead to severe damage, affecting the overall health of your lawn. Damage will be apparent in spring after as snow melts or the rest of the lawn greens up. Because lawn mites are so small, they normally aren’t discovered until the damage is already done.
Common Signs of Spider Mites
- Reddish-brown pests on the undersides of leaves or grass
- Webbing on the affected plants
- Discoloration and stippling of leaves
- Dry conditions and drought stress in your lawn
- Clover mite damage often occurs near building foundations. Colorado State University noted, “Almost all injury occurs within 10 feet of a building, tree or some other upright surface.”
How to Control Spider Mites in Colorado Springs
Miticides, which are pesticides designed for targeting mites, can be applied if you’re dealing with lawn mites. Additionally, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can be effective in controlling mite populations. You may also consider our Winter Mite Suppression, which includes four applications during the winter months, from December to March, to suppress and prevent winter mite activity. The best way to protect your lawn from spider mite damage is to prevent them in the first place! Fertilization and proper lawn watering, especially during dry winters, are the first steps to preventing mite infestations.
Professional Lawn and Tree Care in Colorado Springs
Since 2001, Integrated Lawn Care has been a top choice for reliable lawn care services in the Greater Colorado Springs area. In addition to Winter Mite Suppression, we offer lawn care, tree and shrub care services, rock bed weed control, liquid aeration, perimeter pest control, and more. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your Colorado lawn and trees are protected from damaging pests throughout the year. Contact us for a free quote!