What Do Turkey Mites Look Like? A Complete Guide

Turkey mites are tiny parasites that can cause itchy bites and skin irritation. Though small their bites pack a powerful punch. Learning to identify turkey mites and being vigilant about prevention can help you avoid an infestation.

What Are Turkey Mites?

Turkey mites also known as seed ticks or turkey ticks are the larval form of the Lone Star tick. They are extremely small, about 1/150 of an inch, and reddish-brown in color.

Turkey mites are common in the eastern and southeastern United States. They are most active from July through October when temperatures are warm. During this time, the larvae climb low vegetation and wait with their front legs outstretched to grab onto passing hosts like deer, dogs, turkeys, and even humans.

What Do Turkey Mite Bites Look Like?

Unfortunately, turkey mite bites look nearly identical to chigger bites. Both cause small, red, swollen bumps that resemble a rash. These bumps often blister and cause intensely itchy outbreaks.

The only way to differentiate between chigger and turkey mite bites is that turkey mite bites tend to itch much more severely. The itching and skin irritation can persist for up to three weeks after being bitten.

Where Are Turkey Mites Commonly Found on the Body?

Turkey mites, like chiggers, search for thin sensitive skin to bite. Common trouble spots include:

• Ankles
• Feet
• Backs of knees
• Groin
• Waistband area

Bites often occur in grouped straight lines as the mites crawl under clothing looking for areas to feed.

What Is the Turkey Mite Life Cycle?

Turkey mites go through four life stages:

Egg: Adult female Lone Star ticks lay thousands of eggs on the ground in the early summer.

Larva: The eggs hatch into larvae in the late summer. This is when turkey mites are most prevalent.

Nymph: The larva molts into a nymph which has 8 legs. Nymphs feed on blood.

Adult: After another molt, the nymph reaches maturity as an adult Lone Star tick. Adults also feed on blood.

How Do Turkey Mites Spread?

Turkey mites do not fly or jump. They wait in a position called “questing” to grab onto passing hosts. Once attached, they crawl around looking for a suitable feeding ground.

Some ways turkey mites spread include:

• Standing or walking through vegetation where Lone Star ticks laid eggs
• Coming into contact with deer, rodents, dogs, turkeys, or other animals carrying mites
• Brushing up against infested trees or leaves where mites live

How To Prevent Turkey Mite Bites

While tiny, turkey mites can wreak havoc through their itchy bites. Here are some ways to avoid picking them up:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when going into wooded areas or tall grass
• Tuck pants into socks when outdoors to keep mites from crawling up legs
• Use insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin
• Treat clothes with permethrin to kill mites on contact
• Shower soon after being outdoors to wash off any mites
• Carefully check skin for any attached mites after being outside

What To Do If You Have Turkey Mites

If you suspect you’ve been bitten by turkey mites, there are a few options to help relieve the itching and skin irritation:

• Apply an anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone to affected areas
• Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine or loratadine
• Apply a topical anti-parasitic medication like permethrin
• Bathe in colloidal oatmeal to help soothe the skin
• Use a vacuum and hot water laundry cycles to remove mites from environment

While small, turkey mites can leave a mighty imprint through their aggravating bites. Being able to identify them and taking preventive measures is key to avoiding their wrath. With proper treatment, their irritating effects can be minimized. Stay vigilant and be prepared when enjoying the outdoors.