Grass Mites

Couch Mites (Aceria cynodoniensis) can be the pest that stops your lawn from being the best it can be. The larvae of these tiny insects can only be seen using a microscope, but if they are there, their damage may be observed at any time.

The tell-tale signs of a couch mite infestation are easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for. The most obvious sign is the deformity of the leaves, which can take on a witches’ broom appearance.

The blades of the leaves will be bunched up, preventing the turf from achieving a professional look, no matter how well you mow it. If you suspect that your lawn may be infested with couch mites, be sure to take action immediately as these insidious pests can quickly spread and do serious damage to your lawn if left unchecked.

The couch mite is a small but mighty creature. Indeed, it is during peak growth times of the year that they are most prevalent. The life cycle of the couch mite is relatively short – just 10 to 14 days – so their population numbers can build quickly when conditions are suitable.

The optimal temperature for couch mite damage is 26 degrees, making them a common summertime problem in many warm-season turf varieties, not just couch. But while they may be tiny, their impact can be significant. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs of couch mite damage and to take steps to prevent infestations.

With a little knowledge and effort, we can protect our turf from these tiny pests.

The couch mite is a small but destructive creature that can cause serious damage to your lawn. These mites feed on the grass, and as they do so, they inject toxins into the plant. This can cause the grass to die back, and bare patches will eventually form.

If you see signs of couch mite damage, it’s important to act quickly and treat the problem with a miticide. Otherwise, your lawn may take a long time to recover.

Applying Miticides / Insecticides

These creatures are known as couch mites, and they are tiny little things that live between the new growing tips of the turf leaves. For the best control, you’ll want to apply a liberal coverage of a miticide – using a very fine nozzle for your sprayer.

Make sure to get good coverage of the leaves, foliage, and crown of the plant. This will give you the best chance of contacting any mites, and therefore control them.

Insecticides

Thumper Insecticide

LawnPride Thumper insecticide is an effective grass mite killer that is safe to use around pets and children.

• It is best applied with a backpack or handheld sprayer to ensure even application.
• Sprayer calibration is recommended. The application rate is 50mL/100sqm, and Thumper can cover up to 2000sqm.
• Thumper is best applied when the weeds are actively growing.
• When applying Thumper, avoid contact with desirable plants.
• Do not apply Thumper near water, drainage areas, or septic tanks as it may contaminate these areas.
• After application, do not water in Thumper as this will reduce its efficacy.

Simply mix with water and apply to your lawn as directed. For best results, apply twice a year – in early spring and late summer.

Agador Insecticide

Miticides like Agador is a unique formulation that provides fast knockdown of Couchgrass Mites and Sting Nematodes and is effective because they target the adults and nymph stages of the life cycle when they spend 90% of their time. This gives you a greater chance for effective control.

The chelated formulation enables root zone positioning where it is needed to effectively control root damaging nematode and when used at a miticide it provides visual turf greening. This product is ideal for use in both commercial and residential settings.

Apply Agador Turf Nematicide and Miticide as directed to achieve effective control of Couchgrass Mites and Sting Nematodes.

• Flexible range rates for control of nematodes and mites for up to 3 months
• Application rate 10-20ml /100m2
• For best results, re-apply every 3 months as needed.

In general, a single application of an appropriate miticide will effectively control one life cycle of the target insect. However, in high-pressure situations, it may be necessary to repeat the application after 14 days.

These products are classed as group 6 insecticides, so unless you have the relevant training and certification it is best to get a professional in to apply them.

Important Miticide Application Notes

If you’re planning on applying turf, it’s important to be aware of the conditions under which it should not be applied. For example, turf should not be applied under heat or moisture stress, as this can damage the turf.

Similarly, if rainfall is imminent, it’s best to wait until after the rain has passed to apply the turf. Slow drying conditions can also be problematic, so it’s important to make sure that the turf is completely dry before applying it.

Finally, it’s important to only apply turf by ground boom sprayer or low-pressure hand wand. Applying turf with a nozzle height greater than 50cm above the ground can result in poor coverage and uneven application.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your turf application is safe and successful.

Treatment Steps

The couch mite is a quite destructive little creature. They feast on the leaves of your grass, leaving them damaged and yellow. If you have a case of couch mites, the best thing to do is apply a miticide, like Thumper or Agador.

You should also lower your mowing height to remove the damaged leaves and fertilise the area to encourage new growth. Couch mites prefer dry turf to well-irrigated turf, so it’s important not to allow your turf to dry out.

Once you’ve applied the miticide, be sure to reapply it two weeks later to make sure the mites stay away.

Couch Mites Prevention

Couch mites are tiny bugs that feed on the grass, causing it to turn brown and die. If you have a couch mite infestation, you’ll need to take extra care of your lawn to prevent further damage.

This includes adding more water, fertilizer, and other protective products to help the grass recover. It’s much easier to prevent couch mite damage in the first place, so it’s important to treat your lawn with a miticide before they become a problem.

Doing this twice a year, in late spring and mid-summer, will help keep them at bay and keep your lawn healthy and green. One of the easiest ways to tell if your lawn is being destroyed by a warm-season grass pest is through its appearance.

If you’re proactive with treatment and know what signs to look out for, you can take control of the situation and have a better-looking lawn.

Grass Mites on Dogs

Grass mites are small but mighty creatures that can cause a lot of discomfort for your furry friend. These tiny pests are attracted to the easily accessible areas of your dog’s body, such as the paws, head, legs, belly, and ears.

Grass mite bites can be recognised by the itchy skin, redness, and inflammation or rashes that may develop. If the itching or inflammation becomes severe, it is advisable to consult a vet.

To be sure whether it is a grass mite infestation, you can brush your dog with a flea comb.

Are Grass Mites Harmful to Dogs

Yes, grass mites can be harmful to dogs.

These tiny creatures can cause a lot of discomfort for your furry friend, including itchy skin, redness, and inflammation or rashes. If the itching or inflammation becomes severe, it is advisable to consult a vet. To be sure whether it is a grass mite infestation, you can brush your dog with a flea comb.

What Symptoms are Common When Dogs Have Grass Mites

The most common grass mite symptoms in dogs are excessive scratching, biting and licking of the skin, and redness or inflammation. Dogs may also experience hair loss, crusting, and scabbing on the affected areas.

If the grass mites are not treated, the symptoms may worsen and can even lead to an infection.

How To Check If My Dog Has Mites?

Dogs are particularly susceptible to mite infestations, and the resulting irritation can cause a great deal of discomfort. The first step is to conduct a thorough examination of your pet’s fur.

You should slowly move around your dog while checking for grass mites, start at the toes and work up to larger areas of skin where folds occur on either side; these are common spots where these pesky critters tend to reside!

If you notice any suspicious spots on your dog’s skin, check them carefully with your fingers or a small brush. Then examine it using magnifying glass or flashlight to see if grass mites are living in those areas!

If you suspect that your dog has been infected with grass mites, it is important to take action immediately.

How Do I Get Rid of Grass Mites on my Dog?

If your dog has grass mites, the best course of action is to take them to the vet for treatment. The vet will likely prescribe a medicated shampoo or cream to help relieve the symptoms and kill the mites.

In some cases, oral medication may also be necessary.

How to Prevent My Dog From Getting Bitten By Grass Mites?

There are a few simple things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting bitten by grass mites:

– Keep your dog’s fur trimmed short, as this will make it harder for the mites to access the skin.

– Keep your grass well-mowed and trimmed. The shorter the grass, the less attractive it will be to grass mites.

– Apply a miticide twice a year to your lawn to keep grass mites at bay.

– Regularly check your dog for grass mite bites and signs of infestation, and consult a vet if necessary.

– Be vigilant when walking your dog in grassy areas, and try to avoid areas that are known to be infested with grass mites.

By taking these simple precautions, you can help to keep your dog safe from grass mites.