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Overview

Eriophyid mites are microscopic mites that often go undetected. Unlike most adult mites that have four pairs of legs eriophyid mites have only two pairs. They are slow-moving, usually white or yellow in color, and have a distinctive "carrot" shape. They are very host-specific. Meaning that the species found on one plant species will not usually feed on other plant species. Since there are literally hundreds of species known and others still waiting to be identified, two species of plants may both be infested with eriophyid mites but with different species of mites.

Most eriophyid mites make their home on the surface of leaves where their feeding can cause bronzing or reddening but some are also responsible for creating galls on leaves or witches'-broom on stems and flower buds. On conifers, needles may appear chlorotic, curled, and stunted. These mites can transmit some plant diseases caused by viruses or phytoplasms, such as rose rosette. The list of plants affected by leaf-feeding rust mites is extensive and include honeylocust, tomato, lilac, cherry, apple, bald cypress, citrus, and eastern white pine. Plants affected by mites that cause blisters or galls on leaves or buds include maple, ash, aspen, plum, elm, cottonwood, birch, hackberry, pear, apple, and all conifers, such as pine, spruce, juniper, and yew.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Damage by eriophyid mites may be easily confused with damage caused by scorch, air pollution, herbicides, and in some cases, fungi or insects. (Note: Mites are not insects; they are arachnids.) Close examination with a dissecting microscope is required to confirm their presence in sufficient numbers to be responsible for the observed symptoms. The upper and lower surfaces of blistered, rust-colored, or curled leaves should be examined. Galls and growths should be cut open and examined

Lifecycle

Adult females overwinter in cracks and crevices of twigs and bud scales. Females lay eggs in the spring. The young insects that hatch from the eggs resemble the adults. Numerous generations are produced each year. They are primarily spread by wind.

Integrated Pest Management Strategies

1. Live with the problem. Since damage may often just be cosmetic and little damage is done to the health of the plant, the wisest and easiest thing to do may be to do nothing. Also, since treatment with a miticide in early spring may also kill many natural occurring predators you may just increase the problem. Multiple treatments may be required. Natural predators such as predatory mites may provide some control of vagrant eriophyid mites but may be unable to reach mites protected in galls.

2. Look for resistant varieties. In areas where these mites are a serious problem look for varieties that are more resistant or tolerant of eriophyid mites.

3. Use horticultural oils or miticidal/insecticidal soaps. Spray 7-10 days before bud break to kill overwintering adults and again at bud break.

4. Spray with wettable sulfur or apply sulfur dust. Use in early spring or for vagrant (non-gall-forming) mites. Do not apply within 2 weeks of an oil spray.

5. Use chemical measures. If a plant is small and can be easily treated, spraying with a miticide in early spring at bud break may provide some protection. Since eriophyid mites can have numerous generations a year, follow-up sprays may be needed. Avermectin (Avid), fenpyroximate (Akari), pyridabern (Sanmite), endosulfan (Thiodan), chlorfenapyr (Pylon). Dicofol (Kelthane), bifenthrin (Talstar), and carbaryl (Sevin) may provide some control.

Organic Strategies

Strategies 1 and 2 are strictly organic approaches. For an organic approach to Strategies 3 and 4, consult the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI™) for appropriate insecticidal soap and sulfur products.

Pesticide Disclaimer: 

Always follow the product's label and ensure the product is effective against eriophyid mites. Not following the pesticide label before usage is a violation of federal law.