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.
What is a Turkey Mite? A Complete Guide to Identifying and Controlling These Tiny Pests
Turkey mites, also known as turkey ticks or seed ticks, are the tiny larval and nymphal stages of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). These nearly microscopic creatures can be a real nuisance for anyone spending time outdoors, especially in the southeastern United States where they are most common. Read on to learn everything you need to know about what turkey mites are, what they look like, where they come from, and how to control them.
What Are Turkey Mites?Turkey mites are the young immature forms of the lone star tick before they become full adults. They go through three life stages – egg, larva and nymph – before finally maturing into adult ticks. The larval and nymphal stages, each about 1/100 of an inch long, are commonly referred to as turkey mites or seed ticks.
Other common names for turkey mites include jiggers, red bugs, and harvest mites. While the adult lone star tick feeds on large mammals like deer, turkey mites will bite humans in search of a blood meal. These minuscule pests are most active from spring through fall.
Appearance and Size
Measuring only 1/100 to 1/150 of an inch, turkey mites are so tiny they can barely be seen with the naked eye. You’re more likely to feel their presence from the itchy bites they leave behind. The mites have six legs at the larval stage and eight legs as nymphs. Their oval bodies are a red-brown color, sometimes described as orange-red.
Turkey mites can be distinguished from other mites and chiggers by the presence of a small white dot on their backs – this gives them their alternate name of ‘lone star tick larvae’. The white marking resembles a lone star, hence the name.
Life Cycle
Turkey mites begin life as eggs laid in clusters on the ground by a female lone star tick. A single tick can lay thousands of eggs at a time. The eggs hatch into larvae, which have six legs, then molt into nymphs with eight legs before finally maturing into adult ticks.
At each immature stage, the mites must take a blood meal from a host to progress to the next stage. Birds like turkeys are common hosts, but the mites will happily bite humans or other mammals when given the chance. After feeding, the larvae and nymphs drop off the host into vegetation.
Where Are Turkey Mites Found?
Turkey mites thrive in humid, warmer climates and are most prevalent in southern states. They are primarily found in tall grass, bushes, wooded areas, and places with leaf litter. Backyards, parks, hiking trails, and other vegetated areas are common habitats. The mites congregate along the edges of woods and grassy fields waiting to latch onto passing animals or humans.
Turkeys are a favorite host, which is how the mites got their name, but they will also feed on mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and other wildlife. Turkey mites have also been known to bite dogs, cats, and humans when their preferred hosts are unavailable. They are common pests across the southeastern United States but have spread to other parts of the country as well.
Bites and Health Risks
The bite of a turkey mite is nearly painless, so you likely won’t notice when it happens. After a few hours, small red welts will appear which quickly become intensely itchy. The bumps may look like a rash or cluster of mosquito bites. The surrounding skin often reddens and hard, swollen nodules can develop. Blisters may also form at the bite site.
While turkey mites don’t directly transmit any diseases to humans, their bites can become infected if scratched and irritated. The mites can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Treatment focuses on relieving itching and preventing infection. See a doctor if signs of infection develop after being bitten.
Protecting Yourself from Turkey Mites
When spending time outdoors where turkey mites may be present, you can take some simple precautions to avoid getting bitten:
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Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants tucked into socks. This creates a barrier against mites.
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Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Treat clothing with permethrin.
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Shower and do a full body check after being outside. Wash clothing in hot water.
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Keep grass mowed and avoid sitting or walking in vegetation where mites may lurk.
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Reduce tick habitat by clearing brush and removing leaf litter from yards.
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Discourage wild animal hosts like deer, turkeys, and rodents from living or feeding near your home.
Controlling and Eliminating Turkey Mites
If turkey mites become problematic around your home, you can take steps to control and eliminate them:
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Apply pesticides containing pyrethroids or bifenthrin to the lawn and landscaping. Use caution and read all label instructions.
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Ask a pest control professional about applying residual sprays and perimeter treatments outside the home.
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Keep grass cut short and clear out brush, woodpiles, and leaf litter where mites may live.
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Discourage wild animals like deer, turkeys, mice, and chipmunks from living or feeding on your property.
Turkey mites can be an annoying summertime nuisance. Their tiny size makes them difficult to control, but the preventive measures and targeted treatments outlined above can help reduce bites and eliminate these pests from your yard. Stay vigilant when spending time outdoors and act quickly if you notice signs of an infestation around your home. With some effort, you can enjoy your outdoor space mite-free.
What are Turkey Mites?
Entomologists agree that the villain known as a turkey mite is actually the larval form of Lone Star Ticks. Click to see a photo here. They are also known as seed ticks or turkey ticks. The best description I read was “they are similar to chiggers, except worse.” Deer are actually the most prominent host of the Lone Star ticks, however wild turkeys and other ground-feeding birds are also hosts to Lone Star Ticks. Turkeys are blamed for the more widespread distribution of the Lone Star Tick due to the increase of the turkey population over the last 50 years. Lone Star Ticks can be found all over the south, and the central United States.
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.
Are Itchy Mite Bites Bugging You? Watch This.
FAQ
What do turkey mites do to humans?
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