The bermudagrass mite is an eriophyid mite that is so small it can barely be seen even with a 10X hand lens. It has a wormlike shape with all four legs and mouthparts at the anterior end. Eggs are spherical, transparent, and about one-third the length of the adult mite. They are laid under leaf sheaths. Hybrid bermudagrass is resistant.
Damage first appears in spring and is followed by dieback and browning in summer.
Reduced nitrogen fertilization and close mowing or scalping with removal of clippings can slow down reproduction of, or physically remove, bermudagrass mites. Damage thresholds have not been established for this pest, but if a treatment seems necessary, mow the turf closely and remove clippings first. After mowing, irrigate the turf and spray while the grass is still wet. To increase the chance of getting the pesticide under the leaf sheath, add adequate spreader-sticker to the spray mixture. Do not water or cut the grass within 24 hours of chemical treatment.