Acalitus vaccinii is one of the major pests of blueberry. This mite attacks the buds, which become succulent, fleshy, and closely packed in clusters or rosettes on the stem; they fail to expand and bloom. This results in the production of fewer berries and leaves, or bud loss. Affected berries appear roughened and malformed and may show small, reddish pimples or blisters. Infested plants in the field are easily recognized by the clustering or rosetting of the buds, which are sometimes abundant, and by marked discoloration of berries.

It is present throughout the Eastern States and along the coastal areas from Canada to Florida and Texas. Keifer (1941) stated that this mite "occurs on wild and cultivated vacciniaceous plants, especially high bush types of Vaccinium spp." Acalitus vaccinii also infests huckleberry.