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 annoyance for those who spend time outdoors, especially hunters, hikers and campers. While they don’t pose serious health risks, their bites can cause itchy skin rashes and irritation. A common question people have is – are turkey mites contagious?
What are Turkey Mites?
Turkey mites are scientifically known as larval lone star ticks. They are very tiny, about 1/100th of an inch, with oval shaped bodies and six legs. Their color ranges from red, orange to tan.
Turkey mites are most active between July and October. During this period, the larvae climb on low vegetation and wait with front legs outstretched to attach to passing people or animals. Once on a host, they crawl around looking for a suitable spot to feed.
Alternative Names for Turkey Mites
Turkey mites are also referred to by other names such as seed ticks, turkey chiggers, harvest mites, red bugs etc The scientific name for the lone star tick larvae is Amblyomma americanum.
Are Turkey Mites Contagious?
Yes, turkey mites are contagious and can spread from person to person. Here are some key points on the contagious nature of turkey mites:
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Turkey mites can latch on to clothes and skin of one person and then get transferred to another person who comes in close contact.
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These mites can survive for several days without a host. So they can spread from an infested object like clothing, towels or bedding to another person.
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Pets like dogs and cats can carry turkey mites. The mites can get transferred from pets to humans by close contact.
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While the mites themselves don’t survive for long on humans they can spread infections through their bites which leads to itching and skin irritation. The symptoms are contagious.
How are Turkey Mites Spread?
There are several ways turkey mites spread from infected humans, animals or objects to other hosts:
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Direct contact between two people or a person and pet when mites transfer from one body to another.
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Indirect contact by sharing personal items like clothes, bed sheets, towels etc. that are infested.
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Outdoor exposure by walking through vegetation where mites are prevalent.
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Visiting public places like parks camp sites etc. which can harbor mites.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Turkey Mites?
The common symptoms caused by turkey mites include:
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Small red bumps on skin that appear like a rash or hives.
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Severe itching which gets worse at night.
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Tiny blisters filled with fluid may form at the bite site.
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Papules which are raised, swollen bumps.
The rash and itchiness can last up to 3 weeks even after the mites fall off. Scratching can cause the rash to become infected. The symptoms typically appear within a few hours or days after exposure.
Are Turkey Mite Bites Dangerous?
While turkey mites themselves are not dangerous, they can transmit certain illnesses through their bites:
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Ehrlichiosis – This is a bacterial infection that causes fever, muscle ache, chills, headache, nausea etc. It is spread by the lone star ticks.
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Alpha-gal syndrome – This is a rare allergy to red meat caused by the lone star ticks. It causes hives, stomach pain, diarrhea etc. after consuming red meat.
So while turkey mites don’t directly cause any serious disease, it’s important to prevent their bites to avoid any secondary infections. People with weaker immunity may be more vulnerable.
How to Prevent Spreading Turkey Mites?
You can take these precautions to avoid spreading turkey mites:
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Avoid sharing personal items like clothing, bedding, towels with others.
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Wash clothes and bedding at high heat temperatures regularly to kill any mites.
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Dry clean non-washable items like jackets, hats etc.
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If visiting woody areas, wear protective clothing like long pants and sleeves.
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Take a warm shower after potential exposure to dislodge mites on skin and hair.
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Use insect repellants containing DEET when outdoors.
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Isolate pets that may have mites and get them veterinary treatment.
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Clean the home thoroughly and use acaricides/miticides to kill mites.
How to Get Rid of Turkey Mites?
If you suspect turkey mite infestation, here are some effective treatments:
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Take a hot bath with a few cups of bleach added, to kill mites on skin.
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Apply permethrin cream to skin for a few days, it kills mites.
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Use benzyl benzoate lotion, it acts as a miticide.
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Apply tea tree oil diluted with water directly on the rash.
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Oral antihistamines like cetirizine help reduce itching.
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Topical hydrocortisone relieves inflammation and itching.
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Ivermectin is an oral medication that kills mites.
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For the home, use sprays having pyrethrin insecticide.
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Washing bedding and hot tumble drying for 30 mins kills mites.
Consult a doctor before using any medications, especially if the rash worsens or doesn’t improve. Proper diagnosis is required before starting treatment.
When to See a Doctor?
You should consult a doctor if:
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Rash and itching don’t subside after a week of home treatment.
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New bumps or rashes keep occurring frequently.
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Symptoms are very severe and uncomfortable.
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Signs of infection like oozing blisters, crusting etc. are seen.
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There is high fever, chills, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes etc.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, turkey mites are contagious and can spread through close contact with infected people or pets. They can also transmit through shared personal belongings. Their bites cause a very itchy rash that’s uncomfortable. Proper hygiene and protective clothing/repellent sprays can help avoid getting turkey mites. If infected, medications and home remedies can get rid of the mites and relieve symptoms. Consult a doctor if rash persists or worsens.
Frequency of Entities:
turkey mites: 27
contagious: 10
itchy/itching: 7
rash: 6
skin: 5
bites: 5
symptoms: 4
spread/spreading: 4
red bumps: 2
irritation: 2
infection: 2
doctor: 2
pets: 2
clothing: 2
bedding: 2
How Do Chiggers Bite?
Once chiggers attach to a host, they seek exposed skin areas. Often the mite bites will be in places where clothing fits tightly. They are most likely to be found around your ankles, lower legs, behind your knees, groin, and waist. Once they locate exposed skin, the chigger larvae pierce the skin and use digestive enzymes in their saliva to liquefy the exposed skin cells. They feed off the dissolved skin tissue. Once attached to a host, the chiggers can remain attached for several days while they feed.
Life Cycle of a Tick
Ticks have four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. Other than the egg stage, the remaining three stages of life depend on the ticks finding a parasitic host to survive. While some ticks prefer the same host for all stages, most find a different host for each stage of development. Ticks find their hosts as they can detect the breath, body odors, heat, and moisture of their hosts. Like chiggers, they like tall grasses and wooded areas. Ticks also can not fly or jump, but they wait in a position ready to attach to a host called questing. Ticks stand holding their front legs at the ready. When a host walk by, they are prepared to latch on. Lone star ticks are aggressive ticks and will host on humans at all three stages of development.
Chiggers bite – red bugs, harvest mites, symptoms and treatment.
FAQ
Can humans get turkey mites?
How to get rid of turkey mites on humans?
Can mites spread from person to person?
How long do turkey mites last?
Are Turkey mites dangerous?
Turkey mites can cause skin irritation, itching, and redness, and may transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis and tularemia. To prevent turkey mite bites, wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, avoid walking through tall grass or brush, and inspect your body and clothing for ticks after outdoor activities.
How contagious is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
The disease is not contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person. The infection spreads through the bite of an infected tick.
Are Turkey mites parasitic?
Only the larval form is parasitic. The nymphs and adults are predatory mites that eat insects, including mosquito eggs. Turkey mites, also known as seed ticks, are not the same as chiggers.
Can Turkey mites live in cold weather?
While turkey mites thrive in warm and humid conditions, they can survive in colder climates by finding shelter in the coop or other warm areas. It’s essential to remain vigilant and take preventative measures even in colder climates. What are the potential health risks of turkey mite infestations for poultry?