If you’re noticing more and more dirt on your clothing or shoes after walking on your lawn, it’s possible that you have a mite problem. These tiny creatures are hard to see with the naked eye, but they can cause big problems for your grass if they’re not dealt with.
Read on to find out how to get rid of lawn mites and keep your yard looking its best all season long.
What is a lawn mite?
A lawn mite is a small, arachnid creature that feeds on grass and other plant life.
These pests are closely related to spiders and ticks and can be dangerous to humans and animals if they’re not controlled.
Lawn mites are most active in the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and humid. However, they can survive in colder climates by burrowing underground to stay warm.
One way to stay one step ahead of pest infestation is to schedule regular lawn maintenance.
What do lawn mites look like?
Lawn mites are very small, only about 1/20 of an inch long. They’re reddish-brown and have eight legs. One of the easiest ways to identify a lawn mite infestation is by the presence of small, brown spots on your grass.
These pests also leave behind silken webbing that can be seen on plants and trees. The webbing is used to help the mites travel from one area to another and to protect their eggs.
How do you get lawn mites?
Lawn mites can enter your yard in a number of ways:
- Wind: Mites can be carried into your yard by wind from other infested areas.
- Animals: Birds, rodents, and other animals can transport mites into your yard on their fur or feathers.
- People: If you walk through an infested area, mites can hitch a ride on your clothing into your yard.
- Plants: Mites can also be transported on plants brought into your yard from other areas.
Once lawn mites are in your yard, they can quickly multiply and cause serious damage to your grass. It’s important to take action as soon as you notice any signs of an infestation.
Maintaining a healthy, dense lawn will help deter mites from invading your lawn. Call JC’s Landscaping to schedule a weed control service today.
Follow these summer lawn care tips provided by Texas A&M University to help your lawn persevere through the summer months.
Symptoms of a Lawn Mite Infestation
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that you have a lawn mite problem:
- Brown Spots on Grass
- Yellowing or Dying Grass
- Silken Webbing on Plants
- Increased Dirt on Clothing
If you notice any of these symptoms in your yard, it’s important to take action immediately to control the infestation.
How to Get Rid of Lawn Mites
There are a few different methods you can use to get rid of lawn mites:
- Physical Removal: One way to get rid of lawn mites is to remove them from your yard physically. This can be done by using a strong stream of water from a hose to blast them off of plants and trees. You can also use a hand-held vacuum to suck up mites from the ground.
- Pesticides: Several different pesticides can be used to kill lawn mites. Be sure to follow the instructions on the pesticide label carefully to avoid harming other creatures in your yard.
- Natural Predators: Certain animals, such as ladybugs and lacewings, feed on lawn mites. You can attract these predators to your yard by planting certain flowers and plants they like to eat.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural substance that can be used to kill lawn mites. It’s safe for use around children and pets, and it won’t harm other creatures in your yard.
- Hire a Pest Control Professional: If you’re having trouble getting rid of lawn mites, you may need to hire a pest control professional. These experts will have the knowledge and equipment necessary to quickly and effectively eliminate the infestation.
Check out this article titled, “Best Home Control Pest Products,” for more information.
Wrapping Up
Lawn mites can be a pain to deal with, but luckily there are several different ways to get rid of them. Be sure to take action as soon as you notice any signs of an infestation, and be persistent in your efforts to get rid of these pesky pests.
For severe or persistent infestations, professional pest control services may be required.
