Lawns in Colorado sometimes show damage in the spring as a result of winter-feeding mites. When first infested, the grass blades will show small yellow speckles. As the damage increases, the grass becomes tan in color and eventually dies. The cover of snow does not stop the mites’ appetite for your lawn as you’ll most likely notice dead patches appear as winter thaws.

The eggs of winter mites hatch in October, and their numbers increase into late winter. The larvae feed by gnawing the surface of the grass blades and sucking up the juicy contents. Heavy mite populations diminish in April when eggs are laid on dead grass plants and the adults die. Severe damage is more prevalent during warm winters. The mites are easy to see with a magnifying glass during late fall and winter months, but you need to check the base of the grass blade where these mites tend to gather during the day. Lawns with a southern or western exposure are more susceptible to damage.

Miticide is the best way to reduce the mite population and stop the damage to your property. Fit Turf offers a 3-application spraying to get this problem under control. If you suspect mites in your lawn, give us a call for a FREE lawn evaluation.