Mites

• Mites can be difficult to see without a hand lens.
• Mites have oval-shaped bodies with 8 legs.
• Colour varies with species.
• Usually from <0.5mm to about 1.5mm.

Predatory mites

• Widespread across Australia and favoured by hot, dry conditions.
• Earth mites are less of a pest in Queensland than in southern states.
• Spider mites are often an end of season pest, flaring when pesticide applications targeting other pests kill off predators that are keeping the mite populations in check.

Most mites will attack a range of host species; some are specific to either grasses or broadleaf hosts.

Adults and nymphs pierce and suck leaf cells, causing mottling and discolouration of leaves. Heavy infestations can result in leaf drop, yield loss, and even plant death.

Eggs hatch into six-legged larvae and usually develop through 3 nymphal stages. Egg to adult can be very quick (7 days for two-spotted mite), allowing populations to build rapidly.

Mites can be difficult to see without a hand lens.

• For mites that attack seedling crops, check from planting to early vegetative stages.
• For spider mites, check the underside of older leaves with a hand lens.

Predators include small predatory bugs, thrips, lacewings and ladybirds.

Predatory mites are available for innundative release, but are unlikely to be economically viable under broadacre conditions.

• Control alternative host plants (weeds and volunteers) between seasons.
• RLEM have developed resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in some regions.
• CSIRO have developed a model (Timerite©) to predict the best spray date in spring to control RLEM the following autumn.
• Grazing may help reduce pasture mite populations.
• Regular irrigation reduces the risk of peanut mite damage.