Mites

No one wants any type of bug or insect in their home, but some are worse than others. Once you get mites in your home, it can be tough to get them out without professional help. That's a serious issue, considering these insects can bite and transmit disease to humans. Learn how mites get into your home and what works to get rid of them with advice from the pros at MosquitoNix® and utilizing our Pest Library.

Mites Description and Information

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 they are moving. There are almost 50,000 different species of mites 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 prey on other insects. A few types of mites have a brighter color, like red-colored clover mites, which 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, and can survive 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. We know that sounds creepy, but think of it this way-you're never alone. When you talk to yourself, you are really talking to your face mites.

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 without 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 to rid them of these pests.

How to Treat Mites in Your Home

In a similar way you treat your home if you find fleas or lice, you want to start by washing everything. Pillowcases, blankets, sheets and any other covers or throws should be washed in at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit water and then put into the dryer on a hot setting for at least 15 minutes after they are dry.

Ways to Keep Mites Out

There are easy-to-do household care items to do to minimize mites wanting to make your home their home.

Use a dehumidifier
Make sure your air filter is clean
Wash all bedding weekly
Mop floors as often as possible

A dehumidifier will keep your home from becoming too damn. Mites-and other insects like mosquitoes-love a damp home. Take that away from them from the start. Keeping the air as pure as possible will help keep the mites away and will alleviate allergies for those who are allergic to mites.

Daily and weekly washing and cleaning are important to keep all bugs and insects out of your home. For bedding, you should wash and dry on the hottest settings to kill off all of the gross stuff lurking in the sheets. This also kills off bacteria, so you'll help your family stay healthy, as well. Mopping regularly angers insects, so keep them mad and put that wet mop to work.

Vacuuming often and steam cleaning carpets will also help deter mites from staying. A non-toxic cleaner that mites don't like is 3% hydrogen peroxide, liquid soap and water. It's always a good idea to keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide around for cleaners and remedies.

When You Need Help

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