Mites and Spider Mites

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Mites and spider mites are microscopic 1/2 mm or less sap sucking pests. They are not insects but are related to ticks and spiders. Mites feed on nearly all native and exotic deciduous, broadleaf, evergreen, and needlebearing evergreen ornamental trees. More than 150 families of mites are known, however, only very few are important in terms of damage to trees and shrubs which are largely contained within three families; spider mite family (Tetranychidae), gall and rust mites family (Eriophyidae) and false spider mite family (Tenuipalpidae).