Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook

Onion-Brown wheat mite

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Petrobia latens

Pest description and crop damage The brown wheat mite is tiny, dark, and less than 0.03 inch long, with front legs longer than the body. Feeding mottles the leaves, giving them a bronzed, silvery, or (later) scorched appearance. Host plants include cereals, onions, carrots, alfalfa, iris, and gladiolus.

Pest monitoring Chemical controls are not generally recommended. However, application of chemicals for aphid control may lead to a build-up of mites, leading to the occasional need for an acaricide.

Management-chemical control: HOME USE

  • azadirachtin (neem oil)-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • insecticidal soap-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • plant-derived essential oils (rosemary, peppermint etc.)-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • sulfur

Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE

  • sulfur (Microthiol Disperss) at 3 to 10 lb product/a. PHI 0 days. REI 24 hr.

Kaur, N. (Ed.). 2024 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.
© Oregon State University.

Use pesticides safely!

  • Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
  • Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
  • Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.

Trade-name products and services are mentioned as illustrations only. This does not mean that the participating Extension Services endorse these products and services or that they intend to discriminate against products and services not mentioned.