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What is this bug #762997

Asked July 21, 2021, 12:35 PM EDT

This bug has invaded my small trailer. Nothing and I mean nothing seems to get rid of this critter. I have had our local pest guy out and nothing seems to work. They are everywhere. I’m uncertain if they bite as sometimes I feel like they do and other times I do not. I was told maybe a clover mite, but it’s not like other clover mites I’ve come across. Any help you could give would be appreciated.

Uinta County Wyoming

Expert Response

Little red bugs no bigger than a pin head. All over lawn and inside of home. Was suggested maybe a clover mite, but doesn't leave a red streak when smashed like a clover mite. They are also a lot faster than clover mites. Seems to like moister and water as it congregates in the bathroom and kitchen sink. They are everywhere inside of trailer, on the walls, floors, bedrooms and bathrooms. Doesn't seem to bite, but they are making me crazy. Please help  

The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2021, 2:28 PM EDT
Dear Kolene:

I agree that is a mite but I think at this time of the year, the damage to the lawn you describe and the features I can make out in the photos you have drought stressed Banks grass mites. Here is the pertinent information from a CSU bulletin on common pest mites.
"Banks Grass Mite
Figure 3. Banks grass mite. (Photo by F. Peairs.)
Figure 4. Banks grass mite turn injury.

Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis) is a common mite species in Colorado. It is a serious pest of corn and also damages drought-stressed turf. It causes grass to turn a bleached straw color, often killing it rapidly. The Banks grass mite adapts more to warm weather than the other common turf damaging mites and is found throughout most of the growing season.

Banks grass mite differs considerably in appearance from the other turf-damaging mites. It is smaller and lighter in color. During most of the season, it is green; the young stages are a paler color. During periods when the mites run out of food or environmental conditions are unfavorable, they may temporarily turn bright red. This mite lacks the elongated front pair of legs of the clover mite. It is related to the spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis), a common pest of evergreens but with different feeding habits.

Banks grass mite is more destructive to turf than other turfgrass mites. In early stages of feeding injury, there is small, white flecking (stippling) similar to that of other mites. A slight purpling of the injured grass blade may be observed, which also is associated with brown wheat mite injury. Dead grass takes on a brownish-yellow color and the blades are stiff. Under favorable conditions, severe injury can progress rapidly. Almost all serious injury by Banks grass mite is related to drought stress.

Control

Banks grass mite is a difficult species to control with pesticides. Probably most effective are turfgrass products that contain either lambdacyhalothrin or bifenthrin as the active ingredient. These are sold under several trade names.

Base all control programs on adequate water to the site. This includes fall and winter watering as needed, since populations of the mites can build up during this period. Under conditions of drought, control of the mite is often unsatisfactory."

I think the mites are probably coming into your trailer from the infested lawn. In the trailer you could try dusting where the mite are entering with an amorphous silica products like Cimexa. They can't be resistant to its mode of action as it causes them to dehydrate rapidly. If the same mites are infesting your lawn, then watering the lawn will be key to helping the grass recover from the mites and the droughty conditions. Keep in mind the last sentence of the quote I bolded above.

Sincerely,

Scott





An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2021, 7:24 PM EDT
Scott, Thank you for the information. I will try the things you mentioned. Thank you for getting back to me. I appreciate it. 

Kolene

On Sun, Jul 25, 2021 at 5:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2021, 2:15 PM EDT

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