Bladder Gall Mites on Maple: Safe to Compost Leaves?

A maple has bladder gall mites (eriophyid mites causing pouch-like galls on leaves). The owner asks if fallen leaves can be composted without spreading mites.

Mite Overwintering

Most sources indicate mites overwinter in leaf litter or bark crevices. Composting infested leaves risks preserving the population and reinfesting the tree next spring.

Recommendation

Do not compost gall-infested leaves. Instead, bag and dispose of them, or burn where permitted. The galls are cosmetic and don't harm tree health, so no spray is needed—just sanitation.