Red Mites (Balaustium spp.)
Red Mites (Balaustium spp.)
Vicky Bertagnolli, ©2020, Clemson Extension
Several species of mites have population outbreaks after a change in seasons (particularly spring and fall). One of the tiny, fast-moving red mites commonly encountered is in the genus Balaustium. While often misidentified and considered a nuisance, Balaustium mites are mostly pollen feeders. Even better, some Balaustium mites are beneficial biological control agents that are predators of other mites and soft-bodied insects such as thrips.
For information on Balaustium mites, check out this post from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension’s Insects in the City blog by Dr. Mike Merchant.
