Zoysia Mites
Zoysiagrass mites (Eriophyes zoysiae) are tiny, elongated (worm-like), white arachnids that occasionally affect zoysiagrass. Due to their microscopic size and secretive feeding habits, they often go unnoticed until damage appears. Unfortunately, limited research is available on these turf pests.
🛑 Do Zoysia Mites Cause Significant Damage?
In most cases, mites cause only minor discoloration, and the turf will recover naturally with no lasting effects.
Severe infestations are rare, but when populations accumulate, noticeable damage can occur (see images below).
If significant mite activity is detected, we recommend a targeted miticide treatment to manage the infestation.
Susceptibility
The likelihood of mite damage varies based on turf variety:
More Resistant Cultivars: Royal, Emerald, and El Toro – generally less susceptible to severe infestations.
Highly Susceptible: Meyer – prone to greater mite damage and visible turf decline.
Biology & Lifecycle
Eggs are laid under the leaf sheath, where the mites remain protected.
They complete their entire life cycle within a week, producing multiple generations each year.
Due to their rapid reproduction, infestations can establish quickly if left unchecked.
Monitoring for Mites
🔍Mites are too small to see without a hand lens instead, look for:
Rolled leaves – Mite feeding causes leaves to curl inward, sheltering mites inside.
Arched appearance – As leaves roll further, they trap both older and newer growth, bending the plant into an arched shape.
Yellow or white streaking – When unrolled, affected leaves show discoloration from collar to tip.
Most severe damage occurs in late spring and early summer.
Control & Treatment Strategies
🌱 Cultural Control:
✅ Proper irrigation and fertilization help maintain healthy, resilient turf.
✅ Dethatching reduces mite habitats and discourages infestation.
✅ Keeping grass well-fed and stress-free is the best natural defense.
🛑 Chemical Control:
Limited effectiveness – Traditional insecticides provide only 5-10% control.
Repeat applications are often required to see minimal results.
Clemson University trials found that even miticides only achieve a 10% reduction in mite populations.
📢 The best approach to managing zoysia mites is cultural care—keeping your turf strong, reducing thatch, and monitoring for early signs of damage! 🌿✅