Eriophyid Mites: How to Identify, Prevent, and Control Damage

The eriophyid mites love woody plants. They will turn to linden and fruit trees, willows, ash, elm, pine, aspen, and so many more similar options around. They are extremely small, and you won’t see them with the naked eye. When you do spot them with a 15x+ magnification, you’ll see that they have a carrot-shaped body and two pairs of legs.

Lifecycle of the Eriophyid Mite

There are multiple generations of this pest each year, and the generations tend to overlap each other. The adults will overwinter under the scales of buds or any galls that were produced during the last generation.

When new growth forms on the plants and trees in the spring, the mites become more active. Their eggs start to hatch, and they start to feed on the sap. Between late spring and early summer, the mites will have multiple generations and become the most active.

Damage Caused by Eriophyid Mites

The mites can damage the leaves and buds through the feeding process. Leaves will start to turn yellow or bronze, as they fail to get all the nutrients needed.

Galls form around where the creatures feed. They can look like fingers, pockets, or felty masses, depending on the surface that they are feeding on.

Under dry and favorable conditions, these insects can lead to a lot of damage to the plants. They can slow the growth of the plants and trees down, and they can make it harder for flowers and fruit to grow.

Managing the Levels of Eriophyid Mites

There are numerous predatory mites, thrips, and minute pirate bugs that like to feed on these tiny creatures. This helps to limit your need to treat the plants, and they can help to keep the mite problem down to a manageable infestation for the plants’ health.

However, you can also use horticultural oils during the dormant season. Make sure to apply the oils while the mites overwinter, especially on your ornamentals. Some pyrethroids and carbaryl can help with reducing the population levels, as well.

It’s all about timing. You want to get to them before the first generation forms. After that, it’s difficult due to the way the generations overlap.

If you’re noticing unusual leaf damage, galls, or declining plant health, SprayTech can help identify and manage eriophyid mite infestations before they spread. We offer professional plant inspections, targeted treatment plans, and preventative care to protect your trees and landscape. Early detection is key with these microscopic pests, and our team is here to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Call SprayTech at 720-248-0000 to schedule an inspection or treatment today.