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.
Do Turkey Mites Spread? Identification, Prevention, and Treatment
Turkey mites are a pesky nuisance that can quickly spread and cause discomfort. As the larvae of ticks these minuscule biting bugs can lead to itchy rashes and skin irritation. While not inherently dangerous turkey mites should be controlled and avoided. Luckily, there are ways to prevent, identify, and treat turkey mite infestations.
What Are Turkey Mites?
Turkey mites are a form of chigger mite belonging to the Trombiculidae family. They are often called seed ticks or harvest mites. These mites go through a two-stage larval phase, including a six-legged pre-larva and an eight-legged octopod larva. It is during this second octopod phase that the mites bite and feed on hosts.
Despite their name, turkey mites feed on the blood of many animals beyond just turkeys. They can be found living on rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, including humans. After feeding, the larvae develop into nymphs and then adults. The adults are harmless and do not parasitize hosts.
Where Are Turkey Mites Found?
Turkey mites thrive in hot, humid environments. They lurk in shady, overgrown areas with dense vegetation like woods, forests, and grasslands Fallen leaves, shrubs, and brush provide ideal moist habitat conditions Birds and rodents living in these environments readily transport turkey mites.
Backyard poultry operations are hotspots for turkey mites. Chickens, turkeys, and other fowl can carry mites into coops and nesting areas. From here, the mites easily spread to humans tending to the birds. Wild turkeys wandering onto properties may also introduce turkey mites.
Identifying Turkey Mite Bites
The tiny larval mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye. You’ll likely feel their presence before seeing them. Look for the following signs of turkey mite bites:
- Intense itching and skin irritation
- Raised red bumps and hives
- A rash or blotches
The mites tend to bite in moist, hidden areas like the groin, armpits, and waistband. But bites can appear nearly anywhere on the body. The bites may continue itching for over a week after the initial feeding.
Secondary bacterial infections can occur due to excessive scratching. Take care not to break the skin, which can allow bacteria to enter.
Do Turkey Mites Spread Disease?
Turkey mites are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can lead to painful dermatitis reactions in sensitive individuals.
Scratching bites aggressively can allow secondary skin infections to develop. Signs of a mild skin infection include increased swelling, redness, pain, and pus. Seek medical treatment for any severe reactions.
Parasitic Diseases in Poultry
Turkey mites don’t directly spread diseases. But they can transmit certain parasitic and bacterial illnesses amongst populations of birds:
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Histomonas meleagridis: a protozoal infection causing blackhead disease in turkeys and chickens. It most often spreads via infected eggs and birds pecking at contaminated feces.
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Salmonella: mites may transmit certain serotypes of this foodborne pathogen found in poultry intestines and feces.
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Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: the bacterium causing erysipelas in turkeys, an acute septicemic disease. It spreads through infected feces and soil.
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Lymphoid leukosis: a viral neoplastic disease inducing tumor formation in chickens. Virus transmission occurs vertically from hen to egg.
Employ rigorous biosecurity measures in poultry operations to prevent disease transfer via parasites like turkey mites. Isolate and treat any infected birds. Disinfect housing and equipment regularly.
Preventing Turkey Mite Infestations
Here are some tips to avoid exposure and prevent turkey mite infestations:
- Wear long pants and sleeves when in wooded, overgrown areas
- Use DEET or permethrin-based insect repellents
- Treat dogs and cats with medicated shampoos or flea/tick collars
- Keep backyard poultry pens clean and dry
- Remove brush and clear tall grass around the home
- Place sticky traps around suspected mite hideouts
- Launder bedding and clothes after suspected exposure
- Bathe and conduct full-body tick checks after being outdoors
Finding mites on your pets or poultry is a sure sign they may spread to you too. Treat all animals presumed to be infested.
Treating Turkey Mite Bites and Infestations
If you suspect mite exposure, take the following actions:
- Bathe in warm soapy water to wash off mites
- Apply OTC anti-itch creams with pramoxine or hydrocortisone
- Spot treat clothing and gear with permethrin sprays
- Use medicated lice shampoo on infected areas
- Change clothes and bedding frequently
- Dry laundry on high heat to kill any lingering mites
- Vacuum and sanitize indoor spaces thoroughly
For widespread infestations, professional pest control may be warranted. Specialized acaricide (mite-killing) products can target mites in the environment.
Severe allergic reactions may require prescription steroids or antibiotics if secondary infections develop. Always finish any topical or oral medications as directed, even if symptoms resolve.
Compare Treatment Options
There are many remedies for relieving turkey mite discomfort and eliminating infestations. Consider the pros and cons of different treatment methods:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Medicated shampoo | – Kills mites on contact<br>- Fast symptom relief | – Drying to skin/hair<br>- Avoid eyes |
| Anti-itch creams | – Soothe itching <br>- Reduce inflammation | – Don’t kill mites<br>- Reapply frequently |
| Bleach baths | – Kill and weaken mites | – Skin irritation<br>- Not a standalone cure |
| Permethrin sprays | – Kill mites on surfaces<br>- Provide residual protection | – Toxic if ingested<br>- Can irritate skin |
| Professional pest control | – Eliminate infestations<br>- Apply specialized miticides | – More expensive<br>- Repeat visits often needed |
The combination of anti-itch creams, medicated shampoos, and thorough laundry and home sanitation provides relief while eliminating the mites at the source. Permethrin sprays add further protection.
Proper identification and prompt treatment limits the spread of turkey mites. Be vigilant checking for mites after time spent hunting, hiking, or tending birds. While a nuisance, following preventive steps and recognizing the signs of infestation reduces the chances of exposure and helps control outbreaks.
Key Takeaways on Turkey Mites
- Turkey mites are microscopic biting larvae that feed on animals and humans.
- Found in overgrown, humid environments and on poultry and rodents.
- Cause red, intensely itchy rashes and skin irritation.
- Prevent using repellents and proper hygiene when outdoors.
- Treat with OTC anti-itch creams, medicated shampoos, and permethrin products.
- Practice biosecurity for backyard flocks to restrict disease spread.
- Identification and prompt treatment containing infestations is key.
While prevalent in the wilderness, turkey mites can be controlled with proper precautions. Check for and treat mites after potential exposure. Reduce favorable habitat areas around the home. With a multi-pronged approach focused on prevention, identification, and treatment, turkey mite outbreaks can be well-managed and avoided.
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.
Shower Soon After Exposure
After exposing yourself to turkey mites, it is best to shower with hot water and scrub affected areas. If you find any attached ticks, use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the head of the tick as close to your skin as possible and remove it. Some sources recommend soaking in a bath with 1/2 cup of bleach for at least 15 minutes.
My friend, Angela Magney owner of Magney Legacy Ridge Farm and fellow Kentuckian, messaged me right away when I shared my agony. She said that her family uses the cheap Walmart brand lice shampoo. I used this for the first time this year, I actually found this lotion to be very soothing. However, I think it’s best used after initial exposure to prevent the turkey mites from attaching. Lice treatment spray is a topical permethrin-based spray that is safe for your skin. My case was far too advanced for this to be effective.
Are Itchy Mite Bites Bugging You? Watch This.
FAQ
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