Spider mites are extremely small insects that are nearly invisible to the naked eye but resemble spiders under a microscope. They usually appear red in color.

To identify mites, go to a south-facing area, preferably near a spruce or pine tree. Take some grass and lightly brush it onto a white piece of paper. Then, stare at the dots on the paper. If they start to move, you are likely observing mites.

According to the rules of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, it is prohibited to claim that any substance is safe, including water. However, we can state that Ecotrol is made from essential oils, such as Rosemary Oil (10%) and Peppermint Oil (2%), along with other ingredients (88%) that include Wintergreen Oil, Vanillin, Lecithin, and Butyl Lactate. Ecotrol is 100% organic and is considered the best method for controlling the mite population.

We are legally obligated to display flags since we are claiming to control an insect, which categorizes this as a pesticide.

To prevent mite damage, water your lawn about once a month during the winter. Mites prefer dry areas, and if they do attack the lawn, watering will help replenish its moisture supply.

Mites prefer warm, dry areas and are commonly found on south-facing slopes, often near rock beds or spruce and pine trees. During dry periods, they feed on grass and seek refuge in the pine or spruce trees when it rains or snows. If you notice damage on the south side of your pine trees every year, it is likely that you have a mite problem.

Typically mites do damage to lawns between the months of December and April.  The peak damage typically occurs in March or April. 

We treat the entire lawn, paying close attention to problem areas, particularly in rocky zones and the lower parts of spruce and pine trees, especially in south-facing areas.

Grass mites are tiny arachnids, similar to spiders, that feed on grass blades by sucking out sap. They are nearly invisible to the naked eye but can cause significant damage to turf, especially during dry, warm conditions.

The most common grass mites include:

• Banks Grass Mite
• Clover Mites

• Warm, dry weather (spring and summer in arid regions).
• Lawns under drought stress or insufficient watering.
• Poorly maintained or stressed grass.

Grass mites feed by piercing plant cells and sucking out sap, leading to dehydration and loss of chlorophyll. Prolonged feeding weakens grass, making it more susceptible to disease and environmental stress.

Yes, grass mites can severely damage a lawn, and in extreme cases, they can even kill it. However, these severe infestations often occur alongside other factors that make the lawn more vulnerable to a mite attack. Extensive damage is especially likely in lawns with shallow-rooted grass that has been improperly watered during the previous growing season. This inadequate watering can weaken the grass, making it more susceptible to dying under harsh conditions.

Grass mites are very small, often less than 1mm in size, making them difficult to see without close observation or magnification.

Some species, like clover mites, can feed on various plants, including ornamentals, but most grass mites are specific to turf. Tree mites are often confused with lawn mites, but they are usually found during the summer months.