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 nuisance during summer. Their bites can cause intense itching, rashes, and discomfort. A common myth is that they burrow into your skin. I want to clarify whether this is true or false.
After extensive research, I can confirm that turkey mites do not burrow into your skin. They are often confused with chiggers which do burrow into the skin. Let’s unpack the facts about these pesky critters and how to get relief from their bites.
What Are Turkey Mites?
Turkey mites, also called seed ticks, are the larval form of the Lone Star tick They are extremely tiny, about 1/100 of an inch, with 6-8 legs
These mites are most active from July through October. During this time the larvae climb up low vegetation and wait with front legs outstretched to grab onto passing animals or humans. Once on board, they crawl around looking for a good feeding spot.
After biting, turkey mites fall off or get brushed off within 1-2 days The bite site continues irritating for days afterward. People can get covered in hundreds of mites if they walk through infested areas
Do They Burrow Under The Skin?
No, turkey mites do not burrow into or under the skin. They take a blood meal while attached to the skin surface.
However, their bites often get mistaken for chigger bites. Chiggers are mites that do burrow into the skin and cause more prolonged itching.
This is where the myth comes from that turkey mites stay lodged in the skin. In reality, turkey mites feed briefly on the surface then detach. It’s the irritation and reaction to their saliva that causes the pesky lingering symptoms.
Identification of Bites
Identifying turkey mite bites can be tricky. They look very similar to chigger bites or other insect bites. The key distinguishing factor of turkey mite bites is the intensity and duration of itching.
Some common symptoms include:
- Small red bumps that appear like a rash
- Pronounced itching, often lasting for several days
- Hives or blisters may develop at the bite site
- Can occur anywhere on the body but commonly around sock lines, waistbands, and armpits
If you experience extremely itchy bumps after being outdoors in grassy areas, it’s likely turkey mite bites. The bites may continue irritating for up to 3 weeks, long after the mites have fallen off.
Diseases Transmitted by Turkey Mites
Turkey mites can transmit certain illnesses when they bite, including:
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Ehrlichiosis – Causes flu-like fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Spread by the Lone Star tick.
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Alpha-gal syndrome – Causes a red meat allergy. Can trigger severe allergic reactions to beef, pork, venison, etc. Also transmitted by the Lone Star tick.
So while turkey mites don’t burrow into skin, their bites can still make you very sick. See a doctor if bite symptoms persist or you develop flu-like illness after a tick bite.
How to Get Relief from Turkey Mite Bites
If you suspect turkey mite bites, there are several remedies to get relief:
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Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and inflammation.
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Take antihistamines like Benadryl to control itching.
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Apply a cold compress to bites to soothe irritation.
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Bath in colloidal oatmeal or baking soda to help with skin irritation.
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Use an anti-itch lotion containing pramoxine or menthol.
The rashes and itching from turkey mite bites usually resolve on their own within a few weeks. See a dermatologist if symptoms don’t improve with home treatment.
Prevention of Turkey Mites
When spending time outdoors in summer, you can take some simple precautions to avoid turkey mites:
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Wear permethrin-treated clothing and gear. This insect repellent binds tightly to fabrics.
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Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent like DEET. Reapply every few hours.
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Wear light-colored clothing to spot mites more easily. Tuck pants into socks.
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Check your body thoroughly after being in grassy or wooded areas.
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Shower immediately after coming indoors to wash off any mites.
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Keep grassy areas around your home trimmed short to reduce tick habitat.
The Bottom Line
While turkey mites don’t burrow under skin like chiggers, their bites can still wreak havoc. Take steps to prevent bites when spending time outdoors. If you do get bitten, home remedies can provide relief from the irritating symptoms. Be on the lookout for any signs of infection and see a doctor if bite reactions seem severe. With some caution, you can enjoy the outdoors mite-free!
How Do Ticks Bite?
Once a lone star tick larva or turkey mite finds a host, it cut the skin and inserts its feeding tube. The feeding tube of ticks has barbs that help them attach to the host. Ticks in all stages of development suck blood from their host. It’s during this feeding time that the host can be exposed to the spread of diseases.
Some sources indicated that the larvae stage of ticks doesn’t typically spread tick-borne infections as it is the first stage of feeding and likely the ticks have not encountered diseases from other hosts. However other sources indicate that there is evidence of transmission of Rocky Mountain fever and other diseases at even the larvae stage of development. Anyone exposed to tick bites, should be mindful of signs of infection. Thankfully, Lone Start ticks are not carriers of Lyme disease.
Identifying Turkey Mite Bites
Unfortunately, turkey mite bites look very similar to chigger bites. Turkey mites create red, rash-like bites. These small bumps become inflamed, swollen, and may blister. Itchy outbreaks can occur all over the body. The one constant difference between the two types of bites is that the severe itching is much more severe with turkey mites than with chiggers. The symptoms can last up to three weeks.
How to Remove Mites Burrowed in the Skin
FAQ
How to get rid of turkey mites on humans?
Can humans get turkey mites?
Do mites burrow into skin?
What do mite bites look like on humans?
Are there camerobiid mites in Turkey?
Akyol, M., Koç, K. The camerobiid mites (Acari, Camerobiidae) of Turkey. Biologia 61, 125–132 (2006). How To Get Rid Of Turkey Mites?
Can scabies mites live on inanimate objects? How does mite get in body? No bite marks noted.?
Scabies belongs to a kind if parasitic disease in the clinical setting. Scabies mites often parasitize on human body， and it is easily ignored without symptom at the beginning. The sever pruritus is the most obviously symptom in general. And it needs the medical treatment.
What is the difference between chigger bites and Turkey mites?
The only difference between turkey mite bites and chigger bites is that turkey mite bites itch much more than chigger bites. The signs can last as long as three weeks. Turkey mites can make their hosts uncomfortable because they bite and suck blood. Some species can also cause severe allergic reactions.
How do I get rid of Turkey mites in my Dog?
Shampoo with benzoyl peroxide is one of the best things to eliminate mites. benzoyl peroxide is the best deep cleaner for pets and is often used to treat turkey mites. It can kill bacteria, clean oily dog fur, soften skin, open pores, and “flush” hair follicles in a way that nothing else can.