Mites
Once you get mites in your home, it can be tough to get them out without professional help. That's a serious issue considering that these insects can bite and transmit disease. Learn how mites get into your home and what works to get rid of them with advice from the pros at MosquitoNix® and our Pest Library.
Description
Like ticks, mites are a type of arachnid, not an insect. These bugs have a head and abdomen surrounded by four pairs of short legs. They are typically quite small, usually measuring less than one millimeter long. Some are quite difficult to detect without some type of magnification, though they are easier to spot when moving. There are almost 50,000 different species of mite that have been identified around the world, but not all of them prey or feed on humans or other mammals.
Many live in soil or food stores and pray on other insects. A few types of mites have a brighter color, like red-colored clover mites, that makes them easier to see with the naked eye. The most common species that affect humans are dust mites and scabies. House dust mites feed on dead skin flakes and make up a good portion of the dust that accumulates on surfaces in homes. People who have dust allergies are actually allergic to mites and their feces, which become airborne as dust particles. Mites can also trigger or irritate asthma symptoms. Scabies mites are much more troublesome. These pests infest humans and other animals, burrowing under the skin to lay their eggs and causing irritations and rash. Their life cycle is only a couple of weeks, and they cannot survive in dry conditions where humidity is less than 50% for prolonged periods.
Breeding Habits
Mites lay eggs and evolve through larva, nymph and adult stages by shedding, as many other bugs do. In the initial larva stage, mites have only six legs, with a final pair developing by adulthood. Most mite species are entirely female and require no male fertilization to produce eggs.
Geography
Mites live all over the planet on every species of mammal except the platypus. In fact, scientists have discovered two species of benign microscopic mites that live on the faces of all human beings. Scientists think they have been part of our normal skin flora for millennia.
Solutions for Mites in Your Home
In order to get rid of mites, you need to figure out the host that is bringing the insects in. It could be a pet or family member, or it may be a critter that has gotten into your home with you noticing, such as a chipmunk or mouse. There are also some nonbiting mites that can be found in stored products such as flour. If the host is food- or rodent-related, you'll want to eliminate the source. Special creams and soaps can be used for humans and pets.
A mite infestation usually cannot be resolved with DIY remedies alone. While these can alleviate the initial impact, you'll need professional help to fully eliminate mites from your home. Fortunately, MosquitoNix offers fast and affordable solutions for mite infestations. Contact our knowledgeable customer service team to learn more about our pest control services and to get a free cost estimate.
Resources:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pcmites.htm
https://www.britannica.com/animal/mite
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/3-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-mites-that-live-on-your-face