Aloe Mite

Aloe mites, also called aloe wart mites and aloe gall mites, are Eriophyid mites that feed on many species of aloe and other succulents. Primarily spread by wind, they often go unnoticed until galls appear as a result of their feeding. This galling has been nicknamed "aloe cancer" since it is irreversible and often leads to the death of the plant. For this reason, they are a key pest for cultivators of succulents and landscapers where food sources are abundant.

Controlling Aloe Mites: Control options for aloe mites are limited and no chemical treatments have proven effective in university trials.

  1. Quarantine or Remove Affected Tissue – Start by pruning out & disposing of affected plant parts. If the problem is severe, remove the whole plant. Do Not Compost.
  2. Miticide Sprays – Miticides can be used, but contacting the mites can be difficult since they prefer to stay within the gall. If miticide treatments have not been successful, continue pruning out affected tissue.