Background Information
There are numerous types of mites that can be labeled as nuisance pests. The most common type we deal with in Colorado is the clover mite. These mites breed on turfgrass, clover, and other plants. They are smaller than the head of a pin, reddish-brown to orange in color, have long front legs that can be seen under a microscope, and are typically a problem during the fall or spring on south facing/warm sides of the home or business. They are considered cool-season mites. The spider mite is also common, though they are seen more on plants, and not as a structural pest control problem. They are also smaller than a pinhead, translucent to brown in color, produce webbing on plants, and do not have longer front legs like that of clover mites. These mites commonly appear during drought-like conditions and are considered warm-season mites. Damage caused by mites mainly includes damage to plants, but the indirect problem occurs when these mites move inside a home or business. There are usually hundreds, if not thousands, of them crawling around window sills, floorings, computers, desks, countertops, etc. The clover mites are much easier to see because they are orange in color, but if you wipe them up, they leave an orange stain behind.
Treatments for Mites
Treatment for mites in Colorado can be quite challenging from a chemical standpoint because there are not a lot of good miticides available on the market. In most cases, both spider and clover mites thrive under drought-like conditions, so extra watering will help reduce the level of infestation. In addition, we can use talc powder in window sills and door jambs to stop them from getting inside the home or business. We will also try to seal up any gaps around windows, doors, electrical lines, plumbing lines, etc. Chemically, we will add a granulated insecticide to turfgrass and perform a detailed exterior barrier on the exterior at the foundation to reduce the population. On the interior, we can provide crack and crevice treatment around localized hotspots, but a vacuum works just as well. The service includes both an initial treatment and a follow-up treatment in 10-14 days. This type of service generally does a great job at reducing the problem and getting the customer through the season.
Service Expectations
All NOCO Pest and Wildlife Control mite services are a reduction only scenario because they are a symptom of an environmental condition, as mentioned above. Both clover and spider mites are considered seasonal pests and rarely invade homes throughout the year. The property owner or homeowner can help handle the problem by increasing the watering of infested turfgrass and plants.
