Bermudagrass Mite Control

Bermudagrass mites are microscopic eriophyid mites that feed beneath leaf sheaths and distort new growth. Damage is most conspicuous on common bermudagrass in hot, dry, stressed locations.

How to Recognize Bermudagrass Mites

Shortened internodes create a tufted or rosetted appearance called witch's-broom. Shoots become yellow, stunted, and thin; mites require magnification and protected feeding sites make casual inspection difficult.

Why Damage Develops

Heat, drought, low mowing, and movement of infested stolons or clippings can spread and intensify infestations. Mites remain protected inside folded leaves and sheaths.

Reduce Pest Pressure

• Scout the turf and confirm the pest before treating.
• Correct irrigation, fertility, mowing, thatch, or compaction problems that weaken roots and crowns.
• Treat the susceptible life stage and preserve beneficial insects where practical.

What University Research and Extension Guidance Says

Extension guidance emphasizes sanitation and removal of badly infested growth because protected mites can escape poor spray coverage. Improving irrigation and fertility without forcing excessive growth helps bermudagrass recover while labeled treatments are repeated as directed.

Choosing and Timing a Turf Treatment

Use the products below as a starting point, then select a product labeled for the turf site and target pest. Match the application to the vulnerable life stage, place the material where the pest is feeding, and follow watering-in directions when treatment must reach the crown or root zone.

Research and label note: Research results help explain pest biology, timing, and product performance, but they do not expand a product label. Confirm the turf species, use site, target pest or nematode, life stage, rate, irrigation directions, and application interval on the current label before use.

University sources: NC State Extension: Arthropod Pests of North Carolina Turf; NC State Extension: Pest Control for Professional Turfgrass Managers.