what is a turkey mite

What is a Turkey Mite? A Complete Guide to Identifying and Controlling These Tiny Pests

Turkey mites, also known as turkey ticks or seed ticks, are the tiny larval and nymphal stages of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). These nearly microscopic creatures can be a real nuisance for anyone spending time outdoors, especially in the southeastern United States where they are most common. Read on to learn everything you need to know about what turkey mites are, what they look like, where they come from, and how to control them.

What Are Turkey Mites?Turkey mites are the young immature forms of the lone star tick before they become full adults. They go through three life stages – egg, larva and nymph – before finally maturing into adult ticks. The larval and nymphal stages, each about 1/100 of an inch long, are commonly referred to as turkey mites or seed ticks.

Other common names for turkey mites include jiggers, red bugs, and harvest mites. While the adult lone star tick feeds on large mammals like deer, turkey mites will bite humans in search of a blood meal. These minuscule pests are most active from spring through fall.

Appearance and Size
Measuring only 1/100 to 1/150 of an inch, turkey mites are so tiny they can barely be seen with the naked eye. You’re more likely to feel their presence from the itchy bites they leave behind. The mites have six legs at the larval stage and eight legs as nymphs. Their oval bodies are a red-brown color, sometimes described as orange-red.

Turkey mites can be distinguished from other mites and chiggers by the presence of a small white dot on their backs – this gives them their alternate name of ‘lone star tick larvae’. The white marking resembles a lone star, hence the name.

Life Cycle
Turkey mites begin life as eggs laid in clusters on the ground by a female lone star tick. A single tick can lay thousands of eggs at a time. The eggs hatch into larvae, which have six legs, then molt into nymphs with eight legs before finally maturing into adult ticks.

At each immature stage, the mites must take a blood meal from a host to progress to the next stage. Birds like turkeys are common hosts, but the mites will happily bite humans or other mammals when given the chance. After feeding, the larvae and nymphs drop off the host into vegetation.

Where Are Turkey Mites Found?
Turkey mites thrive in humid, warmer climates and are most prevalent in southern states. They are primarily found in tall grass, bushes, wooded areas, and places with leaf litter. Backyards, parks, hiking trails, and other vegetated areas are common habitats. The mites congregate along the edges of woods and grassy fields waiting to latch onto passing animals or humans.

Turkeys are a favorite host, which is how the mites got their name, but they will also feed on mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and other wildlife. Turkey mites have also been known to bite dogs, cats, and humans when their preferred hosts are unavailable. They are common pests across the southeastern United States but have spread to other parts of the country as well.

Bites and Health Risks
The bite of a turkey mite is nearly painless, so you likely won’t notice when it happens. After a few hours, small red welts will appear which quickly become intensely itchy. The bumps may look like a rash or cluster of mosquito bites. The surrounding skin often reddens and hard, swollen nodules can develop. Blisters may also form at the bite site.

While turkey mites don’t directly transmit any diseases to humans, their bites can become infected if scratched and irritated. The mites can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Treatment focuses on relieving itching and preventing infection. See a doctor if signs of infection develop after being bitten.

Protecting Yourself from Turkey Mites
When spending time outdoors where turkey mites may be present, you can take some simple precautions to avoid getting bitten:

• Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants tucked into socks. This creates a barrier against mites.

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Treat clothing with permethrin.

• Shower and do a full body check after being outside. Wash clothing in hot water.

• Keep grass mowed and avoid sitting or walking in vegetation where mites may lurk.

• Reduce tick habitat by clearing brush and removing leaf litter from yards.

• Discourage wild animal hosts like deer, turkeys, and rodents from living or feeding near your home.

Controlling and Eliminating Turkey Mites
If turkey mites become problematic around your home, you can take steps to control and eliminate them:

• Apply pesticides containing pyrethroids or bifenthrin to the lawn and landscaping. Use caution and read all label instructions.

• Ask a pest control professional about applying residual sprays and perimeter treatments outside the home.

• Keep grass cut short and clear out brush, woodpiles, and leaf litter where mites may live.

• Discourage wild animals like deer, turkeys, mice, and chipmunks from living or feeding on your property.

Turkey mites can be an annoying summertime nuisance. Their tiny size makes them difficult to control, but the preventive measures and targeted treatments outlined above can help reduce bites and eliminate these pests from your yard. Stay vigilant when spending time outdoors and act quickly if you notice signs of an infestation around your home. With some effort, you can enjoy your outdoor space mite-free.