Close examination of several fields in the northern part of West Central region singled out two tiny pests capable of causing very heavy damage. Two spotted mites invaded fully expended, older leaves while the cyclamen mites occupies the newly expending tissue. Mites are almost transparent to cream in color with two dark spots on a side. They are exceptionally active during the hot and dry weather. This pretty much describes the conditions we had prior to the latest storms.
Cyclamen mites are serious pest of strawberries.
Eggs are big, almost translucent and grouped in large masses along the mid rib of the new, still unfolded leaves. As the leaf unfold, the female moves down to the next developing leaf. Cyclamen mites needs certain humidity level which they find in the folded leaves. I have found significant number of eggs, nymphs and adults on the plants. Though it might appear early I believe that they have reached their peak at this time.