Bermudagrass mites (Eriophyes cynodoniensis) are a microscopic yet destructive pest of bermudagrass turf, causing widespread aesthetic and functional decline across golf courses, sports fields, and warm-season lawns.
Bermudagrass mites are often first observed in early spring as turf begins to green up, with damage becoming apparent in areas that struggled to recover from winter dormancy. However, populations can rebound and cause significant injury again in the fall, particularly on turf that has been weakened by summer stress, drought, or traffic damage, compounding recovery challenges heading into dormancy.
Due to their hidden nature and rapid population development, effective management requires a thorough understanding of their biology, signs of infestation, and proactive control strategies, including the targeted use of insecticides.
Biology and Life Cycle of Bermudagrass Mites
Bermudagrass mites are eriophyid mites, extremely small (less than 0.2 mm) and worm-or barrel-shaped with only two pairs of legs located near the head. They are invisible to the naked eye and require a hand lens or microscope for observation.
Life Cycle: Their life cycle is short, often completing egg hatch to adult within 7–10 days under favorable warm conditions.
Developmental Stages: Egg → Larva → Nymph → Adult. Eggs are laid under the leaf sheath, where mites remain hidden throughout their life.
Habitat: Unlike many other turfgrass pests, bermudagrass mites feed exclusively under the leaf sheath area on the stem, where they use piercing sucking mouthparts to consume plant fluids. Colonies build up inside these enclosed spaces, protected from predators and some surface-contact insecticides.
Because of their short life cycle and concealed habitat, populations can increase exponentially without detection until noticeable turf damage occurs.
Scouting and Diagnosis: What to Look For
Due to their size, visual inspection focuses primarily on symptoms rather than the mites themselves:
Early Symptoms:
Brown M, Chong J. Biology and Management of Bermudagrass Mite. Clemson (SC): Clemson Cooperative Extension, Land-Grant Press by Clemson Extension; 2021 Jun. LGP 1112. https://lgpress.clemson.edu/publication/biology-and-management-of-bermudagrass-mite/
Distinctive Damage:
Where to Look:
Sampling should begin in spring as bermudagrass breaks dormancy and continue through the growing season, particularly in high-maintenance or high-traffic areas. Summer-stressed turf becomes highly susceptible again in September and October.
Damage Potential
If left unchecked, bermudagrass mites can cause:
Recovery from mite damage is slow due to the destruction of meristematic tissues at stolon nodes.
Cultural Practices to Reduce Damage
While chemical control is often necessary for high populations, cultural practices play a critical role in suppressing mite outbreaks and promoting recovery:
Mowing Practices:
Verticutting and Grooming:
Fertility Management:
Irrigation:
Chemical Control with Todal and Suprado Insecticides
When cultural practices are not sufficient to manage bermudagrass mite infestations, a combination of preventative long-lasting controls, and fast-acting knockdown chemistries when needed, provides effective and reliable results.
Suprado insecticide (active ingredient: Novaluron) should be applied 1-2 weeks prior to anticipated infestations based on historical activity or early-season scouting. As a chitin synthesis inhibitor (IRAC Group 15), Suprado interferes with molting and development, suppresses reproduction, and prevents the emergence of future generations, making it the cornerstone of long-term population control.
If active, damaging mite populations are observed before a preventative Suprado application can be made, Todal insecticide (active ingredient: Abamectin) can be applied to achieve rapid knockdown of motile mites through contact and ingestion. Its translaminar activity penetrates the leaf tissue, reaching mites concealed under the leaf sheath. For extended residual control and to prevent further population development, Todal should be tank-mixed with Suprado. This combination not only provides immediate suppression but also disrupts mite development across life stages, reducing the likelihood of population rebound and additional applications later in the season.
Why This Strategy Works
Suprado (Novaluron):
Todal (Abamectin):
Enhancing Efficacy and Turf Recovery
Cultural Prep: Prior to insecticide application, perform light verticutting or mow at a lower height to remove tufted or infested tissue and improve spray coverage
Disposal: Properly remove and dispose of clippings to avoid spreading mites to uninfested areas
Recovery: Maintain balanced fertility and adequate irrigation to support regrowth of healthy stolons and shoots
Application Guidelines
Need help building a season-long insect control program that includes Suprado? Contact your Quali-Pro representative or explore our regional control programs for targeted solutions.