Identification
Identifying tree mites requires understanding the various stages of their life cycle. Tree mites are incredibly small – less than a millimeter in size – and can require a magnifying glass or microscope for identification. One way to determine if they are tree mites is to gently shake a tree branch over a piece of white paper. The mites will fall and can be seen as moving specks.
Life Cycle
Under ideal conditions, the tree mite life cycle can be completed in as little as 30 days, leading to rapid increases in mite populations. Some species, like the spider mite, overwinter as eggs or adults in bark crevices or plant debris, emerging in warm weather to reproduce rapidly. Mites exhibit different characteristics at the various life stages — eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults. For instance, spider mite eggs are round and transparent, while adult mites can be red, yellow, green, or brown.
Distribution & Habitat
Tree mites are found across the globe, thriving in environments ranging from the hot and dry conditions that favor outbreaks of spider mites to cooler weather conditions preferred by the spruce spider mite. No matter where they are located, they share the common trait of infesting a variety of trees and shrubs with great adaptability.
Damage & Symptoms
Tree mites feed on the sap of plants, causing a range of symptoms including leaf speckling and discoloration, leaf drop and overall plant stress. Rust mite damage, for example, often appears as bronzing or rusting of the leaves. Severely infested plants may exhibit stunted growth or even die if left unprotected.
Management & Control
Managing tree mite infestations benefits from an integrated pest management (IPM) plan that includes cultural practices, biological control, and, if needed, chemical control methods.
Cultural Practices: Early detection is the best first step to prevention of a tree mite infestation and the devastating damage that can follow. Regularly monitoring trees and shrubs can detect issues early on and head off large-scale problems.
Biological Controls: Introducing natural predators such as predatory mites can naturally reduce mite populations.
Chemical Controls: When chemical controls are needed, selecting products that minimize harm to non-target species is best.
Prevention
Preventive measures against groundsel include regular monitoring of your lawn and garden to detect early infestations and promptly removing young plants before they have a chance to flower and produce seeds. Mulching can also prevent seeds from germinating. Ensuring your lawn is healthy with regular aeration, appropriate fertilization and correct mowing practices can greatly reduce the risk of groundsel infestation.
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