Mites, Humans and the Consequences of a Shared Space
The most commonly encountered mites, including those that can adversely affect human health, are listed below.
The most commonly encountered mites, including those that can adversely affect human health, are listed below.
HOUSE DUST MITES (Dermatophagoides spp.)
Dust mites are virtually invisible to the human eye. They live in homes where they are found in bedding, upholstery, carpets and in the air. Due to their small size Dust Mites can become airborne as can their feces. Their bodies, shed skin, and feces are major components of household dust. People who have been diagnosed with dust allergies are actually allergic to dust mites and their by-products, including their pheromones. For asthmatic people this is a serious concern as exposure can cause asthmatic attacks. Dust mites do not live on humans and therefore rarely cause skin irritation. They can be found on human clothing, though they are most common on furniture, bedding, pillows, and carpeting where they feed primarily on dander the flakes of dead skin that fall from people and animals.
Dust mites are virtually invisible to the human eye. They live in homes where they are found in bedding, upholstery, carpets and in the air. Due to their small size Dust Mites can become airborne as can their feces. Their bodies, shed skin, and feces are major components of household dust. People who have been diagnosed with dust allergies are actually allergic to dust mites and their by-products, including their pheromones. For asthmatic people this is a serious concern as exposure can cause asthmatic attacks. Dust mites do not live on humans and therefore rarely cause skin irritation. They can be found on human clothing, though they are most common on furniture, bedding, pillows, and carpeting where they feed primarily on dander the flakes of dead skin that fall from people and animals.
RODENT and BIRD MITES (Liponyssoides sanguineus, Laelaps echidnina,
Ornithonyssus spp., Dermanyssus gallinae,)
Rodent and Bird mites come into contact with humans when their host animals bring them inside or close to areas where humans congregate. Most rodent mites rarely bite people preferring their rodent hosts, but they will bite humans if their host animals more away, leave the nest or die. These mites live around places where their preferred hosts live, such as in the warm nests of mice and rats or close by in cracks and crevices. They feed on the host primarily at night and then hide during the day. Their bites can be painful and cause skin irritation and itching. Most mites that infest birds will also bite and take advantage of humans. Large infestations can occur in flocks of poultry and urban dwelling birds such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings. Some species of Bird Mite, such as the Northern Fowl Mite live directly on their hosts, and cannot survive for more then a month off their host. The Chicken Mite does not live on it's host. Like the Rodent Mite, it hides in cracks and crevices near bird nests during the day and feeds by night. Humans working with, handling or living around infested birds, their roosts, or coops an come into contact with large numbers of mites and be bitten.
Ornithonyssus spp., Dermanyssus gallinae,)
Rodent and Bird mites come into contact with humans when their host animals bring them inside or close to areas where humans congregate. Most rodent mites rarely bite people preferring their rodent hosts, but they will bite humans if their host animals more away, leave the nest or die. These mites live around places where their preferred hosts live, such as in the warm nests of mice and rats or close by in cracks and crevices. They feed on the host primarily at night and then hide during the day. Their bites can be painful and cause skin irritation and itching. Most mites that infest birds will also bite and take advantage of humans. Large infestations can occur in flocks of poultry and urban dwelling birds such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings. Some species of Bird Mite, such as the Northern Fowl Mite live directly on their hosts, and cannot survive for more then a month off their host. The Chicken Mite does not live on it's host. Like the Rodent Mite, it hides in cracks and crevices near bird nests during the day and feeds by night. Humans working with, handling or living around infested birds, their roosts, or coops an come into contact with large numbers of mites and be bitten.
CHIGGERS (Eutrombicula spp.)
Chiggers are a species of mite common in warmer climates. They are typically found in rural, less disturbed areas. Often humans come into contact with them as a result of urban sprawl. Chiggers can persist for years living in the soil of new subdivisions popping up in what was rural land. There are two species of chigger mites that attack humans. Typically these mites attack humans and other
animals while in the larval stage. Once they have reached the adult stage the prey on insects. The larval chigger mite is nearly invisible to the human eye. They find their prey by detecting carbon dioxide exhaled by the host. They use their front legs to grasp a passing host and then bite and hold onto it using their chelicerae or specialized mouthparts. These mites do not suck blood. Like their spider cousins they inject skin-digesting saliva into their host under the skin. The saliva liquefies the surrounding skin and is then sucked up by the mite. Chiggers latch onto their hosts and feed for several days before falling back to the ground where they live in cracks in the soil. The bites of chiggers are painful, and itch.
Chiggers are a species of mite common in warmer climates. They are typically found in rural, less disturbed areas. Often humans come into contact with them as a result of urban sprawl. Chiggers can persist for years living in the soil of new subdivisions popping up in what was rural land. There are two species of chigger mites that attack humans. Typically these mites attack humans and other
animals while in the larval stage. Once they have reached the adult stage the prey on insects. The larval chigger mite is nearly invisible to the human eye. They find their prey by detecting carbon dioxide exhaled by the host. They use their front legs to grasp a passing host and then bite and hold onto it using their chelicerae or specialized mouthparts. These mites do not suck blood. Like their spider cousins they inject skin-digesting saliva into their host under the skin. The saliva liquefies the surrounding skin and is then sucked up by the mite. Chiggers latch onto their hosts and feed for several days before falling back to the ground where they live in cracks in the soil. The bites of chiggers are painful, and itch.
CLOVER MITES (Bryobia spp.)
Clover mites feed on plants and crops, including clover. They are common in yards and lawns, thriving where plants are well watered and fertilized. This species of mite is one of the larger mites able to easily be seen by the naked eye. Typical of many mite species, all clover mites are females. They lay fully viable eggs without fertilization. They have no need for male mites. Clover mites are often red causing them to stand out from their surroundings. Their red color is not caused by eating blood, but when crushed will leave a red stain behind. Humans most often come in contact with Clover Mites in the Fall when their food plants begin to go dormant, or are removed. Large numbers of mites may move into homes seeking new food sources or refuge from colder weather. Clover mites are not blood suckers and therefore do not bite humans or pets. They can however be a pest as large numbers of them, up to thousands, infest areas humans inhabit or utilize, such as homes, picnic tables, or lawn chairs. These mites are very mobile and often climb over humans as they move about. When large numbers of them come in contact with "bug phobic" humans they can cause panic, especially when their red coloration is believed to have been caused by sucking blood. Entomophobia is a morbid, irrational fear of, or aversion to insects.
Clover mites feed on plants and crops, including clover. They are common in yards and lawns, thriving where plants are well watered and fertilized. This species of mite is one of the larger mites able to easily be seen by the naked eye. Typical of many mite species, all clover mites are females. They lay fully viable eggs without fertilization. They have no need for male mites. Clover mites are often red causing them to stand out from their surroundings. Their red color is not caused by eating blood, but when crushed will leave a red stain behind. Humans most often come in contact with Clover Mites in the Fall when their food plants begin to go dormant, or are removed. Large numbers of mites may move into homes seeking new food sources or refuge from colder weather. Clover mites are not blood suckers and therefore do not bite humans or pets. They can however be a pest as large numbers of them, up to thousands, infest areas humans inhabit or utilize, such as homes, picnic tables, or lawn chairs. These mites are very mobile and often climb over humans as they move about. When large numbers of them come in contact with "bug phobic" humans they can cause panic, especially when their red coloration is believed to have been caused by sucking blood. Entomophobia is a morbid, irrational fear of, or aversion to insects.
ITCH MITES (Pyemotes spp.)
Ranchers, cattlemen and other livestock enthusiasts may come into contact with itch mites as thy feed their animals hay that has been stored and sheltered. The Straw Itch mite (P. tritici) infest haystacks. Though they primarily feed on insects, humans can be bitten when they contact mites that are living in straw, hay, grasses, or feeds where the mites are living. Itch mites are invisible to the human eye, and their initial bites are not felt; however, their bites will cause an itchy irritation to the skin. These mites do not live on humans and cannot survive inside of homes.
Ranchers, cattlemen and other livestock enthusiasts may come into contact with itch mites as thy feed their animals hay that has been stored and sheltered. The Straw Itch mite (P. tritici) infest haystacks. Though they primarily feed on insects, humans can be bitten when they contact mites that are living in straw, hay, grasses, or feeds where the mites are living. Itch mites are invisible to the human eye, and their initial bites are not felt; however, their bites will cause an itchy irritation to the skin. These mites do not live on humans and cannot survive inside of homes.
SCABIES MITES (Sarcoptes scabiei)
Sarcoptes scabiei are mites that infest mammals, including man. The scabies mite is the only species of mite that is capable of living its entire life on a human host, and is the most common mite caused condition affecting humans. Most often humans are infested by coming into contact with another infected person and infestations may go unnoticed for a month or more. The human-infesting scabies mite has a life cycle of 10-17 days. The scabies mite feds on the skin and secretions of their hosts and can only survive a few days off their host. There are several species of scabies mite each has a preferred host. In canines, (dogs, foxes, coyotes and wolves) scabies mites cause mange a skin condition that causes severe irritation and scabbing and the loss of hair. The infestations can be so bad that they can cover nearly the entire animal. The scabies mite burrows until the skin of its host, living in tunnels one centimeter or more in length just below the surface of the skin, their entire life cycle from egg to adult is spent on their host. The mites live, reproduce and feed in their tunnels. Like other mite species they are the most active at night where their movements and feeding cause severe skin irritation and itching.
MANAGING MITES
Bugs in general are creepy and crawly and most people have some type of natural aversion to them if not a phobia, especially those that bite, sting, or live on, or in us. How humans generally feel about Mites is no exception. So what can be done to control or limit the chances of a Mite infestation.
If you believe you are being bitten by mites or have a scabies infestation as a result of a skin irritation the first thing you should do is determine if it is truly mites that are causes the irritations. Most mites are not visible to the human eye but still a visual inspection of the area, particularly on bedding can help you identify any bugs, mites or other critters. Be sure to check for mites at different times of the day and night and in and around areas where you might have come into contact with them.
If you believe you have mites or have been being bitten by them, a visit to your doctor should can be conclusive and if you have a scabies infestation the doctor will be able to treat you for them. Once you have concluded that your home or body is infested with Mites you should take every precaution from spreading the infestation to others. Bedding and clothing of scabies-infected persons should be washed thoroughly and regularly during the course of treatment. Thoroughly clean the entire home especially areas where people congregate. Vacuuming can prove affective as a control measure. Try to determine how the mites were brought into your home, if you have a rodent infestation, or bird nests under your eve's you may need to take extra steps to remove these host species. IF you are suffering from dust allergies, the use of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in furnace and air conditioning units can elp prevent reduce airborne allergens, including dust mite particles from your home.
There are several products that can be applied to help kill or prevent mite infestations. Special care should be used any time you are applying a pesticide to you home. Always follow the prescribed methods and amounts of application or you could cause yourself further harm from exposure. Product containing benzyl benzoate, and possibly abrasive dust formulations, are used to control Dust Mites and are applied directly to surfaces suspected of being infested. For pillows, mattresses and upholstered furniture were people are most likely to come into contact with the pesticide it is recommended that infested items are discarded or sealed in plastic covers to help prevent exposure to the pesticide and to prevent the Dust Mite from avoiding the application. Persons with asthma or allergies should ma should consult a physician for advice on treatments and exposure risks to products.
For mites that are transient the best defense for your home is a solid barrier. Be sure exterior doors have a full seal especially at the floor. Due to their small size, many window screens are not adequately sized to preventing mites from passing through them. e.g., clover mites.
Applying pesticides to your lawns or other areas can also be helpful means of control. Pesticides labeled for use against mites, are known as miticides or acaricides. The product Deet is a common and effective personal repellent found in many over the counter bug repellants and it can be usefully in dislodging feeding chiggers, but should not be used to treat a scabies infestation.
NOTE: When pesticides are used, it is the applicator’s legal responsibility to read and follow directions on the product label. Not following label directions, even if they conflict with information provided herein, is a violation of federal law.
Sarcoptes scabiei are mites that infest mammals, including man. The scabies mite is the only species of mite that is capable of living its entire life on a human host, and is the most common mite caused condition affecting humans. Most often humans are infested by coming into contact with another infected person and infestations may go unnoticed for a month or more. The human-infesting scabies mite has a life cycle of 10-17 days. The scabies mite feds on the skin and secretions of their hosts and can only survive a few days off their host. There are several species of scabies mite each has a preferred host. In canines, (dogs, foxes, coyotes and wolves) scabies mites cause mange a skin condition that causes severe irritation and scabbing and the loss of hair. The infestations can be so bad that they can cover nearly the entire animal. The scabies mite burrows until the skin of its host, living in tunnels one centimeter or more in length just below the surface of the skin, their entire life cycle from egg to adult is spent on their host. The mites live, reproduce and feed in their tunnels. Like other mite species they are the most active at night where their movements and feeding cause severe skin irritation and itching.
MANAGING MITES
Bugs in general are creepy and crawly and most people have some type of natural aversion to them if not a phobia, especially those that bite, sting, or live on, or in us. How humans generally feel about Mites is no exception. So what can be done to control or limit the chances of a Mite infestation.
If you believe you are being bitten by mites or have a scabies infestation as a result of a skin irritation the first thing you should do is determine if it is truly mites that are causes the irritations. Most mites are not visible to the human eye but still a visual inspection of the area, particularly on bedding can help you identify any bugs, mites or other critters. Be sure to check for mites at different times of the day and night and in and around areas where you might have come into contact with them.
If you believe you have mites or have been being bitten by them, a visit to your doctor should can be conclusive and if you have a scabies infestation the doctor will be able to treat you for them. Once you have concluded that your home or body is infested with Mites you should take every precaution from spreading the infestation to others. Bedding and clothing of scabies-infected persons should be washed thoroughly and regularly during the course of treatment. Thoroughly clean the entire home especially areas where people congregate. Vacuuming can prove affective as a control measure. Try to determine how the mites were brought into your home, if you have a rodent infestation, or bird nests under your eve's you may need to take extra steps to remove these host species. IF you are suffering from dust allergies, the use of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in furnace and air conditioning units can elp prevent reduce airborne allergens, including dust mite particles from your home.
There are several products that can be applied to help kill or prevent mite infestations. Special care should be used any time you are applying a pesticide to you home. Always follow the prescribed methods and amounts of application or you could cause yourself further harm from exposure. Product containing benzyl benzoate, and possibly abrasive dust formulations, are used to control Dust Mites and are applied directly to surfaces suspected of being infested. For pillows, mattresses and upholstered furniture were people are most likely to come into contact with the pesticide it is recommended that infested items are discarded or sealed in plastic covers to help prevent exposure to the pesticide and to prevent the Dust Mite from avoiding the application. Persons with asthma or allergies should ma should consult a physician for advice on treatments and exposure risks to products.
For mites that are transient the best defense for your home is a solid barrier. Be sure exterior doors have a full seal especially at the floor. Due to their small size, many window screens are not adequately sized to preventing mites from passing through them. e.g., clover mites.
Applying pesticides to your lawns or other areas can also be helpful means of control. Pesticides labeled for use against mites, are known as miticides or acaricides. The product Deet is a common and effective personal repellent found in many over the counter bug repellants and it can be usefully in dislodging feeding chiggers, but should not be used to treat a scabies infestation.
NOTE: When pesticides are used, it is the applicator’s legal responsibility to read and follow directions on the product label. Not following label directions, even if they conflict with information provided herein, is a violation of federal law.