Painful bites
The adult mites overwinter in the ground at a depth of up to one meter. Here they can withstand even longer periods of frost without any problems. If spring temperatures rise, head to the surface to mate. After about four weeks, which can be from mid-May in very warm years, the mite larvae hatch, which cause the unpleasant, extremely itchy wheals.
also read
- How do grass mites overwinter?
- Effective home remedies for grass mites
- How long do grass mites live?
At first you will not notice the actual bite, because the itching does not start until after about 24 hours. However, the red pustules itch heavily for weeks. The symptoms are exacerbated by the fact that the arachnids almost always bite several times in a row.
How can I tell if grass mites live in my garden?
Since the larvae of the mite are only about 0.2 to 0.3 millimeters in size, it is almost impossible to bare them with eye to discover. As proof, you can put a sheet of white paper in the meadow on a warm, dry spring day. The bright surface attracts the animals and they are easy to recognize due to their dark body.
Fight grass mites as early as spring
Prevention is the best tool against the pests:
- Scarify the lawn carefully and in the spring fertilize The green with lime nitrogen.
- During the entire growing season, mow at least once a week, and more often if necessary.
- Water the grass when it is dry; this will drive the arachnids into the earth.
- Treat shoes, clothing and skin with an effective repellent.
- After Gardening you should put the textiles in the laundry and shower thoroughly.
Tips
Grass mite concentrates or neem extracts are suitable for direct control on the lawn. These should be applied in good time in spring. If you can identify the areas that the animals prefer, you can spray them with 70 percent medicinal alcohol.
