Mites in the Grass

Mites and Lawn Grass

• Your lawn grass can house numerous species of mites. Some species are specific to the type of grass grown, so much so in fact that they are named after that species of grass (for instance, Bermudagrass mite). Other species commonly found in home lawns include spider mites, brown wheat mites, banks grass mites and clover mites. Mites tend to favor parts of the lawn that are not mowed closely and that are generally unkempt, particularly if those same areas have any invasive weeds nearby.

Signs of Infestation

• The damage caused by mites in lawns varies according to the species in question. The Bermudagrass mite, for example, causes blades of grass to turn yellow and curl strangely, while feeding damage from a clover mite causes grass to take on a silver color. Spider mite populations often are accompanied by fuzzy protective mats that are characteristic of this species as opposed to other mite species. Mites can also occasionally be seen on the grass itself but are often too difficult to observe without magnification, particularly if the mites have not yet reached full adulthood.

Control Methods

• Approaches to controlling a mite infestation also vary from species to species. In general, however, keeping your lawn mowed close and weed free will greatly reduce the chance of a mite infestation. Keeping your lawn grass in good health through proper irrigation and cultural practices will also help it outgrow mite damage and compel the mites to leave. Pesticide control can be explored, but mites are very good at using the grass to protect themselves from contact insecticides, so apply an approved insecticide thoroughly after mowing the lawn to ensure the effectiveness of the pesticide.

Mites and Safety

• If a mite infestation is discovered in your lawn grass, they may bite animals and humans that frequent the lawn grass. These bites rarely cause anything more than minor irritation, but species of mites belonging to the Sarcoptes scabei group of mites can cause scabies in humans and animals. Therefore, if you have discovered a mite infestation in your lawn grass, spray any person who frequents the lawns with an anti-tick spray repellent to prevent mite bites.