This pest is very similar in appearance to cyclamen mite and only microscopic examination will separate the two. It also attacks several genera of glasshouse plants, causing bronzing of the foliage and distortion similar to cyclamen mite. In begonias the symptoms are frequently referred to as "begonia rust" although no disease is involved.

Control is achieved in the same way as for cyclamen mite, except that for nurserymen the only recommended chemical is dicofol, used every 2-3 weeks. It is possible, and quite common, to have both broad mite and cyclamen mite infesting the same plant.