Our trips to the homestead can be brutal in the late summer months. It never fails that I get eaten up by what I have called chiggers for many years. However the locals, all say the same thing, likely I was bitten by turkey mites. In all the places I have lived, I had never heard of turkeys mites and really thought that it was just local terminology. However, I’ve reached the point where I need to know, what exactly finds me so irresistible and how can I fight back! Chiggers versus turkey mites, what is the difference?
Technically chiggers are not insects at all but are arachnids, in the same family as spiders and ticks. They are better known as mites. While chiggers prefer tall grass-like fields and wooded areas they can also be found in your yard. They are most active in the warmer months of the year when temperatures reach 77 to 86 degrees. Fortunately, the chigger larvae die as temperatures drop below 42 degrees.
Adult chiggers are extremely tiny, only about 1/60th of an inch in size. Adult chiggers are not dangerous to humans, it is the larvae that cause such irritation. The larvae are even more tiny, only about 1/150th of an inch. They are practically invisible to the naked eye, however since they are typically clustered in large numbers, they may appear as a tiny red dot on the skin.
Chiggers prefer brushy and grassy areas that stay moist during the day. The larvae can’t fly, so they remain clustered together waiting for passing hosts. The larvae are strictly parasitic, seeking hosts where they can feed.
Turkey mites are a common pest that can cause irritation and discomfort to both humans and animals. But where exactly do these tiny parasites come from? Here’s an in-depth look at the origins and life cycle of turkey mites.
What Are Turkey Mites?
Turkey mites also known as seed ticks or harvest mites, are a type of mite belonging to the Trombiculidae family. They are classified as arachnids and have six or eight legs depending on their life stage.
In their larval form, turkey mites are often referred to as “chiggers” These microscopic pests are red, orange, or straw-colored, and can measure around 0.4 mm in length Turkey mites thrive in warm, humid environments.
The Life Cycle of Turkey Mites
Turkey mites have a complex life cycle comprised of egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. Here is how their life cycle progresses:
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Adult female turkey mites lay eggs on the ground, often in groups of hundreds. The eggs are fertilized by adult males.
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After around 3-10 days, the eggs hatch into larvae known as chiggers. These are the parasitic stage that feeds on hosts.
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Chiggers climb up grass blades or low vegetation and wait for a passing animal or human to grab onto. They attach themselves to the skin and inject enzymes that digest skin cells.
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After feeding for 3-5 days, engorged chiggers drop off the host and develop into nymphs. Nymphs have eight legs.
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The nymphs then molt into adult mites. Adults mate, with females laying eggs to restart the cycle.
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From egg to adult, the turkey mite life cycle takes around 4-6 weeks to complete depending on conditions. Mites can produce multiple generations per year.
Where Do Turkey Mites Reside?
Turkey mites inhabit a variety of environments and settings, including:
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Woodlands and forests – Turkey mites thrive in wooded areas with leaf litter or low vegetation. This allows newly hatched chiggers access to hosts.
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Poultry coops – Turkey mites easily infest chickens, turkeys, and other domesticated birds. They reside in cracks and crevices of the coop.
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Rodent nests – Mites can inhabit the nests of mice, rats, chipmunks, and other rodents. These animals transport mites to new areas.
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Grassy fields – Gardens, lawns, meadows, and grassy fields provide prime turkey mite habitat during warmer months. Chiggers await hosts here.
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Stored animal feed – Hay, straw, grains, and other stored animal feed often contain turkey mites. Livestock can become infested through contact.
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Human homes – In rare cases, turkey mites may be transported indoors on clothing or pets. This often causes localized infestations.
Where Do Infestations Originate?
There are a few primary ways that turkey mites first establish themselves in a new environment or area:
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Introduction of wild hosts – As wildlife like rodents, birds, and deer move into an area, they can carry mites with them in fur, feathers, or nests. This allows mites to populate new territories.
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Proximity to wooded areas – Homes, farms, or coops located near forests or grasslands are at higher risk of turkey mite introduction. Nearby mite populations can spread to new settings.
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Contact with infested livestock – Domesticated animals that come into contact with infested wildlife or contaminated feed can acquire mites. The pests may then spread to human handlers.
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Transported hay/straw – Turkey mites often reside in stored animal feed. Transporting contaminated hay or straw to new locations spreads mites to previously unaffected areas.
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Backyard poultry coops – Introducing new chickens or other birds from unknown sources runs the risk of also introducing turkey mites into the flock and coop environment.
Prevention Tips
While turkey mites are difficult to control once established, there are some prevention measures that can help avoid initial infestation:
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Carefully inspect any new poultry or livestock introductions for signs of mites. Quarantine new animals if necessary.
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Use caution when bringing hay, straw, or other animal feed onto your property from an unknown source.
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Regularly clean and sanitize poultry coops to eliminate mite habitat.
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Avoid stacking woodpiles or compost near buildings or chicken coops.
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Manage rodent populations and avoid introducing wild bird nests/houses.
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Create turf buffers between structures and adjacent wooded areas.
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Ask neighbors about any mite issues before allowing animals to co-mingle.
Identifying a Chigger Bite
Within a few hours, the chigger bites will begin to itch. The intense itching can often keep you awake at night. The bites will become red welts or blisters. Often these bites will be in straight lines. I have to admit, I have not noticed the straight lines of bites, but I will certainly try to pay more attention. Thankfully chiggers don’t carry diseases, however, the secondary infections caused by scratching can cause problems.
My Proven Tick and Turkey Mite Defensive Strategy
After years of being ravaged by turkey mites I was determined to find a way to protect myself. I have created two essential oil blends to create the Ultimate Tick Repelling Soap! Used alone and in combination with my threefold defensive strategy I have finally experienced my first year free from the agony of turkey mite bites!
To prevent exposed skin, always wear long pants in areas prone to ticks. Many experts suggest tucking your pants into your socks or boots to minimize the exposure to the lower legs.
Recently on Instagram, Ann of all Trades, shared a cool tick hack that I heard for the first time. After hiking or walking through areas likely to include ticks, go over your clothes with a lint roller. Ticks that are still crawling on your clothes can be removed before they make their way to a person’s skin. This works for animals too. Be sure to roll down your dog to find any loose ticks before you let the dog in your home.
Years ago, my family used to backpack in Alaska. For mosquito bite prevention, I treated our clothing with permethrin. I have to admit, I had completely forgotten about this treatment method. Soaking clothes in permethrin creates a long-lasting shield against tiny ticks. Treatments are long-lasting and can hold up multiple washings.
Concentrated forms of permethrin need to be diluted to the recommended 0.5% strength solution recommended for treating fabrics. Once diluted, soak clothes in the solution for several hours, allowing the items of clothing to become completely saturated with the permethrin solution. Clothing can be soaked in batches in buckets or individual items in a plastic bag. Hang clothes to dry. Once dry, wear as usual. The good news is that the treated clothing will be effective in repelling insects for up to six weeks, or six washings! Don’t forget to treat your boots as well!
While I realize that permethrin is a poisonous chemical, I personally feel this method is a safer method than spraying poison directly on my skin and clothes on a regular basis. When treating clothes with permethrin, take all necessary precautions, wear gloves, work outside, be mindful of treatment materials and dispose of them safely.
Are Itchy Mite Bites Bugging You? Watch This.
FAQ
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