Pest profile

Bermudagrass Mite

Eriophyes cynodoniensis · Sarcoptiformes: Eriophyidae[3]

Bermudagrass mites feed only on bermudagrass, stunting stems into tufted witches' brooms.[1]

No licensed photo of this species is available yet; the identification notes below describe what to look for.

How to identify it

  • They're tiny, elongate, creamy white mites that need 15x to 20x magnification to see.[1]
  • Witches' brooms, short tufted stems with swollen sheaths, are usually the best sign.[1]

Where it lives

It's present throughout the southern US.[1]

Biology and life cycle

Mites feed under leaf sheaths, and a new generation can arise every 7 to 10 days.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Lawns stay yellow or fail to green up in spring; heavy infestations kill stems and leave dead summer patches.[1]
  • All bermudagrass cultivars are susceptible.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; Clemson HGIC mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Prevention

Mow at 1 inch, bag infested clippings, follow soil tests and avoid excess nitrogen, which increases damage.[1]

Traps and physical control

Dethatch in May if needed, starting with uninfested areas, and core aerate as needed.[1]

Pesticides

Pesticides labeled for home lawns aren't effective against bermudagrass mites.[1]

More from NC State Extension

All bermudagrass cultivars can be damaged, and Tifway is particularly susceptible.[2]

Common questions

Why are there tufted, stunted clumps in my bermudagrass?
Those witches' brooms are the classic sign of bermudagrass mite.[1]
Can I spray for bermudagrass mites?
HGIC says home lawn pesticides aren't effective; cultural care is the answer.[1]

Sources

  1. Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center, “Bermudagrass Mite (HGIC 2158).” hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bermudagrass-mite/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. NC State Extension, “Bermudagrass Mites.” content.ces.ncsu.edu/bermudagrass-mites (accessed 2026-10-15)
  3. iNaturalist, “Eriophyes cynodoniensis taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1133972 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-15. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.