Bamboo Mite Information – Learn How To Kill Bamboo Spider Mites


What are bamboo mites? Native to Japan, bamboo mites are troublesome little pests that feed on bamboo and a few grasses in the bamboo family. Managing bamboo mites isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Read on to learn more.
Bamboo Mite Information
Bamboo mites are nothing new; experts believe they were accidentally transported from Japan, showing up in the United States as early as 1917. They are especially troublesome in Florida and on the West Coast. Although bamboo plants are also afflicted by the common spider mite, bamboo mites, which pierce the underside of leaves and suck out the juices, are more destructive. A heavy infestation of the pests can cause bamboo to take on a yellow-green appearance as photosynthesis becomes impaired. Bamboo mites are recognized by their webbing, which is usually found in dense mats on the underside of bamboo leaves. The webs, unlike the loose, messy webs created by common spider mites, are large and tightly woven. You can usually see the mites scurrying underneath the webbing.
How to Kill Bamboo Spider Mites
A small infestation of bamboo spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap, a pyrethrin-based spray, or a contact pesticide. However, sprays aren’t usually effective for severe infestations because the plant’s height and clumping nature prevent the substances from reaching the pests. Additionally, it is difficult to reach mites hiding under the dense webbing. A systemic miticide approved for bamboo mites is often more effective for bamboo mite control because it is absorbed throughout the plant and kills the pests as they feed. Repeat applications are usually necessary because miticides don’t kill newly laid eggs. Oil sprays, which kill adults, larva, and eggs, are effective if applied at the right time. Many growers have good luck with predatory mites, and there are several types available in the United States. Usually, bamboo mite control requires an integrated approach. Your local university cooperative extension agent can provide more information about managing bamboo mites. Most importantly, inspect bamboo plants closely before bringing them into your garden. Some garden centers fail to recognize the significance of the problem.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."

A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
15 Garden Trends To Avoid in 2024: Experts Warn Against These Outdated Designs
Garden trends come and go. We asked gardening experts to share the outdated trends that should be retired – and what you can do instead.
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
-
How To Overwinter Ollas For Years Of Use: Get More From Irrigation Pots
If you overwinter ollas properly, you'll keep these unique watering pots from cracking. Here's how to protect them in erratic winter temperatures so they last longer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Published
-
Bamboo Winter Care – How To Winterize Bamboo Plants
Winterizing bamboo is important to facilitate continued growth again in spring. Click here to get some tips for your bamboo during winter.
By Becca Badgett Last updated
-
Desert Bamboo Varieties – Growing Bamboo In The Desert
Growing bamboo in the desert or finding one desert climates starts with the right plant selection. Click here for choices that do well in arid climates.
By Becca Badgett Last updated
-
Large Bamboo Division: Learn When To Split Potted Bamboo Plants
Bamboo plants are wonderful plants to grow in pots. Many varieties are invasive when planted in the ground, so growing them in pots is a great solution, but they will grow pretty quickly and can be a challenge to repot. This article can help with that.
By Raffaele Di Lallo Last updated
-
Black Bamboo Information: Tips On Growing Black Bamboo
While bamboo provides the instant gratification of being a fast grower, some varieties of bamboo can become very invasive and grow out of control. Is black bamboo invasive? Click on this article for the answer and learn how to care for black bamboo.
By Shelley Pierce Last updated
-
Growing Bamboo In Pots: Can Bamboo Be Grown In Containers
Bamboo gets a bad rap. There's one surefire way to prevent their rhizomes from getting all over your yard: growing bamboo in pots. Click this article to learn more about container grown bamboo and caring for bamboo in pots.
By Liz Baessler Last updated
-
Bamboo With Brown Tips: Reasons Why Bamboo Plant Tips Are Brown
My bamboo is turning brown; is that normal? The answer is - maybe, or maybe not! If you?re noticing your bamboo plant tips are brown, it?s time to do some troubleshooting to determine the cause. This article can help with that.
By Mary H. Dyer Last updated
-
Bamboo Plant Types – What Are Some Common Bamboo Varieties
If you plan accordingly and pay attention to what variety you?re planting, bamboo can be a great addition to your garden. Take a look at this article to learn about different varieties of bamboo. Click here for more info.
By Liz Baessler Last updated
-
Yellowing Bamboo Leaves: Help For Yellow Bamboo Leaves
Bamboo is a popular ornamental and edible plant. While these plants are generally hardy, when bamboo leaves are yellow, this could signal an issue. Click this article to learn more about why this happens and what can be done about it.
By Karen Boness Last updated