Lawn mites are minute arachnids, more closely related to spiders and ticks than insects, that can cause significant damage to turfgrass. Their extremely small size, often less than one millimeter, makes visual identification with the naked eye nearly impossible in the early stages of an infestation. Because these pests feed by sucking the fluids out of individual grass cells, the resulting damage can easily be mistaken for drought stress or a nutrient deficiency. Accurately diagnosing a lawn mite problem therefore requires specific diagnostic techniques to confirm their presence.
Visual Symptoms of Mite Infestation
The first indication of a mite infestation is usually the macroscopic appearance of damage across the lawn surface. This damage often manifests as irregular, straw-colored patches that can appear suddenly, particularly during periods of dry or warm weather. Mites use piercing mouthparts to puncture the grass cells and extract the internal contents, leading to the desiccation and collapse of the plant tissue.
The discoloration begins as subtle yellowing or bronzing, quickly progressing to a bleached or silvery-sheen appearance. Symptoms are often most pronounced in stressed areas, such as on slopes or near pavement, where temperatures are higher. When the lawn greens up in the spring, mite-damaged areas frequently fail to recover, remaining brown while surrounding healthy grass thrives. A close inspection of individual grass blades may also reveal a fine stippling pattern from the mites’ feeding activity.
DIY Methods for Confirming Mite Presence
Because the mites themselves are difficult to spot, two simple, at-home tests can be used to confirm their presence. The first and most reliable method is the White Paper Test, which uses a contrasting surface to make the tiny arachnids visible. Take a small, handheld shovel or knife and cut out a section of turf from the edge of a damaged area, including the grass blades and some thatch.
Next, hold this sample over a clean, white sheet of paper or a paper plate and vigorously shake or tap the grass clippings onto the surface. Wait a few moments and observe the debris that has fallen onto the paper, looking for tiny, moving specks. If mites are present, you will see specks the size of a pinhead begin to crawl away from the debris.
To confirm these moving specks are mites, gently smear them with your finger or a pencil edge. Clover mites often leave a reddish streak, the color of their body fluids. Banks grass mites may smear green if they have been actively feeding. The appearance of these colored streaks confirms a lawn mite infestation.
A second method, the Water Flotation Test, can also be used for visual confirmation. Collect grass blades from the affected area and place them into a clear glass or jar filled with room-temperature water. Because mites are extremely light, they become dislodged and float to the surface due to surface tension. Observing the water surface after a few minutes, perhaps with a magnifying glass, may reveal the tiny floating pests.
Identifying Common Lawn Mite Species
Knowing the specific type of lawn mite can help determine the timing and nature of the infestation, as different species are active during different seasons. The Clover Mite (Bryobia praetiosa) is one of the most common pests, known as a cool-season mite. These mites are primarily active in the cooler temperatures of early spring and fall, often causing damage when the turf is still partially dormant or stressed from winter.
Clover mites are typically reddish-brown to greenish-brown and are distinguished by their notably long front pair of legs. The Banks Grass Mite (Oligonychus pratensis), conversely, is a warm-season pest, thriving in hot, dry summer conditions. These mites are generally green or straw-colored, though they may turn a darker orange or red as conditions become unfavorable.
Bermudagrass Mites
Bermudagrass Mites (Aceria cynodoniensis) are significantly smaller and nearly microscopic, making them difficult to identify even with magnification. These mites are specific to bermudagrass turf and cause a distinct symptom known as “witches’ broom,” where the grass blades become stunted and clustered. The seasonality and appearance of the damage can help narrow down the diagnosis.