Following.

I've struggled with the same without much feedback from anyone that has successfully dealt with them.

 

I believe DeltaGard/Suspend with deltamethrin is listed for bermuda mites. I've also heard of guys using bifenthrin with some success. I would spray the insecticide, wait for a few days, and then scalp/bag

 

I believe DeltaGard/Suspend with deltamethrin is listed for bermuda mites. I've also heard of guys using bifenthrin with some success. I would spray the insecticide, wait for a few days, and then scalp/bag

These arent insects - though I'm not sure why they are called "mites"... they're stunted bermuda with tiny roots and a hard core. They're usually a lighter shade of green then the rest of the Bermuda so they stand out. I'll try to take a pic of mine.

 

I tried bifenthrin a couple days ago to combat this exact problem. No idea how long it would take to see a change but if I do see one I'll post good/bad results.

 

I tried bifenthrin a couple days ago to combat this exact problem. No idea how long it would take to see a change but if I do see one I'll post good/bad results.

Any luck last year with this? I have them in tif419 sod that is only 10 months old. I ordered delta gard today and going to scalp/bag before I apply it next week.

 

Anyone use PGR? I have it in my common but I felt like I didn't have before PGR

Or it could be the fact I am mowing lower than I use to

Either PGR or HOC has to be the contributing factor.

 

Anyone use PGR? I have it in my common but I felt like I didn't have before PGR

Or it could be the fact I am mowing lower than I use to

Either PGR or HOC has to be the contributing factor.

What is your HOC? I'm up to .8" now but I've been around .5" for a long time until the past few weeks.

 

Has anyone that thinks they have Bermuda Stunt Mites had any confirmation from a lab? I believe @Greendoc has mentioned using Exteris Stressgard to combat them but I'm not 100% on that. Hopefully he will swing by and give his thoughts.

 

Following. It's something I'm not sure if I have but would love to be informed nonetheless. If it's about Bermuda, I needa know about it

 

@gooodawgs I seem to have them as well. I have several "witches brooms" that are in weaker areas of turf growth. Although most of the research I have read leads to "there is not much hope" I decided to give two insecticides/miticides a try after reading this 2018 golf turf study. I have placed my order and hope to put it down by the end of the week. Although AzaGuard is labeled for lawn turf Lucid is not labeled for residential. I will also use a low rate of bifen I/T as well. I will also probably apply with a surfactant or Crop oil.

https://www.gcmonline.com/research/news/bermudagrass-mite?utm_source=informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FC%2012.6.18

3% Azadirachtin Price paid: $159.00
https://biosafesystems.com/product/azaguard/
https://biosafesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/azaguard_label.pdf
AzaGuard provides control of insect larval, pupal, and nymphal stages by interfering with the synthesis of ecdysone. Insects typically die between larval to larval, larval to pupal, nymph to nymph molts, or during adult eclosion. in the wide variety of ornamental, forestry, and food crops. AzaGuard is an insect growth regulator and does not control adult insects.

2% Abamectin Price paid : $71.95
https://www.rotamnorthamerica.com/professional-products/lucid
https://www.agrian.com/pdfs/current/Lucid_Ornamental_MiticideInsecticide_Label1k.pdf
Reliable, long-lasting control of mites and leafminers along with suppression of whitefly, thrips and aphids on foliage plants, woody ornamentals and Christmas trees. Abamectin works through contact exposure and is effective at combating pyrethroid resistant insects.. Excellent component of beneficial release programs. Outstanding plant safety record including end of crop cycles. Due to its unique mode of action, Abamectin presents low risk to mammals, while being particularly effective against target insects.

A few quotes from the article.
**With the hope of identifying insecticides that could be used to replace unavailable or restricted - but effective - insecticides, the senior author conducted a series of experiments in 2009-2010 to evaluate the efficacy of 26 insecticides and miticides for bermudagrass mite control (2). Abamectin stood out as one of the most promising products. Further testing of the efficacy of abamectin in several golf courses in South Carolina has supported the registration of Divanem (8% abamectin) for bermudagrass mite management.
**Several insecticides are currently registered for bermudagrass mite control on golf courses, including abamectin (Divanem, Syngenta), azadirachtin (for example, Azatrol, Gordon's), bifenthrin (for example, Broadcide GC, Control Solutions), chlorpyrifos (for example, Chlorpyrifos SPC, Nufarm), lambda-cyhalothrin (for example, Scimitar GC, Syngenta) and zeta-cypermethrin (for example, Triple Crown, FMC).

 

Someone mentioned controlled burn before spring green up, but not sure if they're present/breeding/active yet during that time.

 

I believe DeltaGard/Suspend with deltamethrin is listed for bermuda mites. I've also heard of guys using bifenthrin with some success. I would spray the insecticide, wait for a few days, and then scalp/bag

These arent insects - though I'm not sure why they are called "mites"... they're stunted bermuda with tiny roots and a hard core. They're usually a lighter shade of green then the rest of the Bermuda so they stand out. I'll try to take a pic of mine.

Any truth to this? Everyone seems to have glossed over it and is stuck on insecticides to fix it

 

I have cut out a few of these "witches broom" sections down to the dirt with the power rotary scissors. Vacuumed up the clippings, put down bifenthrin (just in case) and it has grown back normal again. I'm not convinced that it's actually bugs/mites.

 

Has anyone that thinks they have Bermuda Stunt Mites had any confirmation from a lab? I believe @Greendoc has mentioned using Exteris Stressgard to combat them but I'm not 100% on that. Hopefully he will swing by and give his thoughts.

That is for nematodes. For Bermuda mites, Bifenthrin, Lambda Cyhalothrin, or Deltamethrin applied with a Non Ionic Surfactant and sprayed in a manner that provides good coverage of the foliage/shoots is the best bet. There used to be three now outlawed insecticides/miticides that worked rather well for this.

 

Has anyone that thinks they have Bermuda Stunt Mites had any confirmation from a lab? I believe @Greendoc has mentioned using Exteris Stressgard to combat them but I'm not 100% on that. Hopefully he will swing by and give his thoughts.

That is for nematodes. For Bermuda mites, Bifenthrin, Lambda Cyhalothrin, or Deltamethrin applied with a Non Ionic Surfactant and sprayed in a manner that provides good coverage of the foliage/shoots is the best bet. There used to be three now outlawed insecticides/miticides that worked rather well for this.

Thanks for the clarification, I was wondering about the mix up after I posted this but wasn't sure. :thumbup:

 

I believe DeltaGard/Suspend with deltamethrin is listed for bermuda mites. I've also heard of guys using bifenthrin with some success. I would spray the insecticide, wait for a few days, and then scalp/bag

These arent insects - though I'm not sure why they are called "mites"... they're stunted bermuda with tiny roots and a hard core. They're usually a lighter shade of green then the rest of the Bermuda so they stand out. I'll try to take a pic of mine.

Any truth to this? Everyone seems to have glossed over it and is stuck on insecticides to fix it

Yes. Mites are not insects. Same with Spiders and ticks. They are not insects either. However, they are commonly referred to as insects because they are often treated with insecticides or termiticides. Any 'mite' species should be treated with termiticides as that will yield better results than insecticides. Although, no guarantee. These mites are tough. Multiple apps and thorough coverage is a start.

The "Bunching" of roots where it appears to look like a crown on top at the blades, can be mistaken for a fungal disease called Yellow Tuft. Bermuda mites are not visible to the human eye. They need to be magnified significantly.

 

It gets even more funny @Austinite. There are several different species of mites. Tetranychus mites. Which are commonly known as red spider mites. Common pests of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and field crops. Their damage is marked by a bronzing of the new shoots and leaves. Another type of mite is the broad mite. Its damage is marked by twisting and distortion of shoots. Big problem on flowers, fruits, and trees. Finally, the Bermuda Stunt mite is classified as an Eriophyid mite. This mite differs from the others because it is embedded in the shoots of what it is damaging. The other mites live on the surface of the plant. Control of Eriophyid mites is not easy because the miticide needs to either prevent penetration of the mite into the shoots or else it needs to be systemic in nature and capable of penetrating into the plant tissue where the mite lives.

 

@Greendoc would Imidacloprid be an effective systemic treatment?

 

@Greendocand @Austinite Would a nonionic surfactant or MSO work better to help penetrate the bermuda leaf tissue?

 

@Greendoc would Imidacloprid be an effective systemic treatment?

No. Imidacloprid has poor efficacy on mites.

 

Neem oil or drown em with dish soap? Might be worth a shot

 

It gets even more funny @Austinite. There are several different species of mites. Tetranychus mites. Which are commonly known as red spider mites. Common pests of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and field crops. Their damage is marked by a bronzing of the new shoots and leaves. Another type of mite is the broad mite. Its damage is marked by twisting and distortion of shoots. Big problem on flowers, fruits, and trees. Finally, the Bermuda Stunt mite is classified as an Eriophyid mite. This mite differs from the others because it is embedded in the shoots of what it is damaging. The other mites live on the surface of the plant. Control of Eriophyid mites is not easy because the miticide needs to either prevent penetration of the mite into the shoots or else it needs to be systemic in nature and capable of penetrating into the plant tissue where the mite lives.

Great info. Thank you.

 

These arent insects - though I'm not sure why they are called "mites"... they're stunted bermuda with tiny roots and a hard core. They're usually a lighter shade of green then the rest of the Bermuda so they stand out. I'll try to take a pic of mine.

Any truth to this? Everyone seems to have glossed over it and is stuck on insecticides to fix it

Yes. Mites are not insects. Same with Spiders and ticks. They are not insects either. However, they are commonly referred to as insects because they are often treated with insecticides or termiticides. Any 'mite' species should be treated with termiticides as that will yield better results than insecticides. Although, no guarantee. These mites are tough. Multiple apps and thorough coverage is a start.

The "Bunching" of roots where it appears to look like a crown on top at the blades, can be mistaken for a fungal disease called Yellow Tuft. Bermuda mites are not visible to the human eye. They need to be magnified significantly.

All of you guys info is exactly what I was looking for. I've learned something. Any pics of said damage?

 

All of you guys info is exactly what I was looking for. I've learned something. Any pics of said damage?

Below is Bermuda stunt mite damage




Below is Yellow Tuft disease damage

 

All of you guys info is exactly what I was looking for. I've learned something. Any pics of said damage?

Below is Bermuda stunt mite damage




Below is Yellow Tuft disease damage

Hmm. And will any of this be really noticeable from above? Just walking along your lawn and you spot it? Or will it really be noticed only after pulling?