What are Citrus Bud Mites?
Citrus bud mites are tiny, cigar-shaped pests, typically creamy white or translucent in color. Like most mites, citrus bud mites have four legs near the mouth. They usually hide in safe places, such as under bud scales, where they overwinter. Uncontrolled citrus bud mite damage may include deformed stems, leaves, flowers, and buds, and leaf, flower, or bud galls. The pests often feed inside the buds, resulting in malformed, stunted fruit. Although the mites attack all types of citruses, they are especially problematic in lemons.
How to Treat Mites on Citrus Trees
So, what about citrus bud mite treatment? According to Utah State University Extension, citrus mites don’t typically affect long-term health of citrus trees and the damage is largely aesthetic, although yield may be reduced. Pesticides and miticides should be an absolute last resort because they eliminate beneficial natural predators, including predatory mites that usually keep citrus bud mites in check. Use of pesticides also fosters chemical-resistant pests. Monitor plant health carefully for effective control of citrus bud mites before they get out of hand. Prune infested leaves and branches and dispose of them carefully to prevent spread of the pests. Horticultural oil sprays and insecticidal soaps are fairly effective citrus bud mite treatments when applied prior to bloom. They are of no use, however, after development of galls or after fruits are infested. An application of horticultural oil in late fall may help provide control of citrus bud mites. If the infestation is severe, use pesticides or miticides carefully and rotate chemical types every year to avoid development of chemical-resistant mites. Read the label carefully and make sure the chemical is appropriate for your particular type of plant.
