I was curious what a maple velvet erineum gall mite is. I did a little search and found a few articles. Seems like they really don’t damage the tree and can be very difficult to get rid of. In fact trying to get rid of them may ”actually worsen the problem”.
Here’s a quote from an article from the University of Minnesota.
“Chemical control: Most galls cause only aesthetic injury and do not kill their hosts. Control is very difficult to achieve, and pesticide use must be timed to when the adults is initiating the gall. Adult mites are most susceptible to dormant applications of oil when they become active in spring prior to bud break. Control is only marginally effective, and some broad spectrum insecticides have actually worsened the problem. “
Here’s another one from Michigan State University.
“The deformed appearance of the leaves often creates anxiety in homeowners that believe their trees and shrubs are being harmed. The resulting growth that forms is not considered harmful to the tree or shrub’s health. High populations of the eriophyid mite may cause some leaf drop, but most leaves remain on the tree and continue to function. Since there is very little damage to the tree, no pesticide treatments are recommended.”
Tiny eriophyid mites create abnormal growth on leaves with little impact to the tree’s health.
www.canr.msu.edu
I shall smoke until I am no longer creeped out. May be smoking for a bit here.
