Mites are tiny bugs in the tick and spider family. They get blamed for a lot of mysterious itching or biting symptoms because they are so tiny and hard to spot. There are thousands of different species of mites, and each species has different eating, biting, and bloodsucking habits.
Some mites, like dust mites, are too tiny to see without a microscope. Mites are commonly found around your home, and they can cause allergies and other health issues. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty s)
Its possible for mites to pass diseases along to animals and humans they come in contact with. Although mite-related illness isnt common in the U.S., mites can still be dangerous to you if they show up in large numbers.
Unlike some other parasites, dust mites dont bite or directly injure your skin in any way.
Clover mites can take a home by storm, entering buildings by the thousands. They dont bite or cause health issues in humans, but they are annoying pests.â
You can see them easilyâthey are red, green, or brown and have long front legs. Clover mites leave a red stain when squished, and they can lay thousands of eggs in your home. They feed on plants in the spring, summer, and fall, and in cold weather, they look for shelter.â
Dust mites are too small for us to see with the naked eye. They feed on dead human skin cells and thrive in warm and humid environments. While they cant harm humans by bites or stings, a dust mites feces, urine, or decaying body create dust and proteins that are later inhaled by people. You have a dust allergy if dust mites cause swelling, or inflammation, of your nasal passages.
House dust mites are so small that you probably wont see them unless youre looking closely for them. Because of their tiny size, they get swept up in the air and make up a lot of the indoor dust that you might see swirling around your house.â
When you inhale them, house dust mites can cause allergiesâincluding asthma attacks or allergy symptoms. They mostly eat dander and dead skin and are most likely to be found in pillows, couches, and mattresses.â
Itch mites are also a smaller species of mite. They feed on insects and are known to bite humans and animals.â
Itch mites like to infest plant materials like straw, hay, grass, leaves, or other similar substances and bite their prey when it gets close enough to their shelter.â
If an itch mite bites you, you wont feel it, but youll notice itchy red spots later on. Unlike many other kinds of mites, itch mites cant live indoors.
A type of human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) can cause a scabies infection. Itch mites burrow into the upper layer of your skin. They live and lay their eggs there.
Anyone can get scabies as it spreads by direct close contact, from person to person. A severe form of scabies is crusted (Norwegian) scabies, and it can affect people who are older, immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), or disabled. This type of scabies causes thick, crusty skin that can flake off onto clothing and linens, spreading the infestation further.
Scabies mites can live for a while on humans, up to 2 months, so its important to get treatment for the person infected and any close contacts. You can get a prescription cream from your doctor to clear the infestation.â
There are two kinds of chigger mites that bite humans. If a chigger mite senses the carbon dioxide you exhale, theyll find a way to make contact with your skin and latch on.
Although they dont suck your blood, they have a unique ability to release skin-digesting saliva that dissolves your skin. If you dont find the chigger and remove it from your skin, the chigger bite will inflame, harden, and begin to itch.
Demodex mites are generally harmless microscopic mites that live in your hair follicles. They are also called face mites. Face mites are very common, spreading from person to person, affecting almost everyone. Rarely, they can cause a skin condition called Demodex folliculitis or demodicosis. Demodex mites are most often found on the:
Eyelash mites are another name for Demodex mites. Theyre commonly found on your face and feed on the oils and dead cells on your skin. Theyre harmless unless too many eyelash mites populate and cause inflammation of the eyelids or blepharitis. Your doctor can determine if mites are the cause and prescribe medication if needed to clear the infestation.
There are some types of mites that live on birds and rodents that can bite people as well. They jump from the animal or bird if the animal they live on (the hosts) die or leave their homes. The most common ones are:
When in buildings, they are close to their host or the next one, usually in cracks and crevices, or around warm areas like pipes and furnaces.
Oak mites, or oak leaf itch mites, live on oak trees but can also be found in grains and other stored products. Their bite causes an itchy, red rash with tiny bumps.
This tiny parasite lives on the surface of honeybees. They are destructive mites that cause the adult bees and their larvae to die. Varroa mites dont affect humans, however.
Not all mites bite. But those that do bite, like chiggers and itch mites, can cause uncomfortable symptoms, mostly itching. Scabies mites dont bite, but when they burrow under your skin, they also can cause severe itching.
While itching can be quite annoying, it isnt serious by itself. However, it can make you scratch the area, which can break the skin and lead to an infection.
If you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction, seek emergency help right away. These could include:
Most mite or chigger bites can be treated at home, although if the pain or itching doesnt go away or there is any sign of infection (fever or swelling, redness, pain, or drainage around the area), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
There is no home remedy for scabies because the mites have to be killed. The medications, called scabicides, are creams or ointments and only available by prescription. These are applied, literally, from head to toe. Some are for adults only, while others are safe for children. Its very important that you follow the directions exactly as described to ensure that all the scabies are eliminated, or you will have to repeat the treatment.
Ivermectin, an oral drug, might be suggested for people who didnt respond to the creams or who, for some reason, cant use them. However, its not FDA-approved for scabies. It also isnt known if ivermectin is safe for young children or during pregnancy.
Treatment of crusted scabies is stronger and may involve using both oral ivermectin and one of these topical creams:
Scabies live on humans, so once you successfully treat the scabies, the mites are gone. However, if you are still in close contact with the person who spread the scabies and they havent been treated, you can become reinfected. Its important that all your close contacts be thoroughly treated.
Turkey mites are a huge nuisance. These tiny pests can cause itchy rashes and skin irritation in both humans and animals. Getting rid of them quickly is important to relieve discomfort and prevent disease transmission. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to kill turkey mites.
What Are Turkey Mites?
Turkey mites are actually a larval form of the Lone Star tick. They are extremely small, with 6-8 legs, and are most active between July and October. During this time, the larvae climb onto low vegetation and wait for a host to walk by so they can attach and feed.
Once on a host turkey mites crawl around looking for a good spot to feed. They use spikes on their mouthparts to anchor to the skin and draw blood. The bites can remain irritated for days after the mite falls off or is removed.
Why Kill Turkey Mites?
There are several reasons to get rid of turkey mites quickly:
-
Itchy rashes – Mite bites cause red, itchy bumps and rashes on the skin that can last for weeks. The irritation is extremely uncomfortable.
-
Disease transmission – Turkey mites can transmit diseases like ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome to humans and pets. These diseases can cause severe flu-like symptoms.
-
Allergic reactions – Some people may experience severe allergic reactions to components in mite saliva.
-
Skin infections – Scratching mite bites can open the skin and lead to bacterial infections.
-
Hair loss and skin damage – Pets with heavy mite infestations can experience hair loss, skin inflammation, and lesions.
12 Methods to Kill Turkey Mites
There are several effective ways to get rid of turkey mites on humans, pets, and around the home. Here are 12 of the best methods:
1. Wash Bedding in Hot Water
Washing all bedding and fabric items in 130°F or hotter water will kill turkey mites and eggs. Dry on a hot cycle as well. For non-washable items, seal in a plastic bag and freeze for 24 hours.
2. Apply Pesticides
Pesticides and miticides formulated specifically to kill mites can be applied to skin, clothing, animals, and environmental surfaces. Always carefully follow product labels and warnings.
3. Spray Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps containing pyrethrins quickly kill mites on contact while remaining safe for humans. Treat lawns, animal living spaces, kennels, etc.
4. Apply Tea Tree Oil
Wipe down skin and fur with a diluted tea tree oil solution. The oil will kill mites and help repel new ones. Do not use undiluted on pets.
5. Give pets a Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo Bath
Washing dogs and cats with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo will kill mites living on their skin and coats. Follow up with a tea tree oil rinse.
6. Spray Plants with Neem Oil
Neem oil smothers and kills mites on contact. Use it to treat plants and bushes where mites may hide out while waiting for hosts.
7. Apply Sulfur Powder
Dust sulfur powder onto skin and animal fur and rub in thoroughly. Sulfur kills mites and repels new infestations. Allow to sit for 24 hours before bathing off. Wear gloves when applying.
8. Use Prescription Topical Medications
For heavy mite infestations on pets, vets may prescribe topical flea and tick prevention medications containing powerful pesticides that kill mites.
9. Bathe in a Bleach Solution
Soaking in a warm bath containing 1/2 cup of bleach for 15 minutes will help kill mites on human skin. Be sure to fully submerge the affected areas. Rinse well afterward.
10. Apply Lice Shampoo
Rub lice shampoo thoroughly over rashes and infected areas. Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. The chemicals are very effective against mites.
11. Apply Antiparasitic Creams
Creams containing benzyl benzoate, tea tree oil, or sulfur applied to the skin will kill mites. 2-3 applications are usually needed. Ask a pharmacist for help selecting one.
12. Take an Antihistamine
For symptom relief, take an oral antihistamine like Benadryl to reduce skin itching, inflammation, and rashes caused by mite bites.
Prevention Tips
- Avoid areas with tall grasses and weeds where mites may gather.
- Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes when in wooded areas.
- Shower immediately after being outdoors and check for mites.
- Keep pets out of wooded and overgrown areas.
- Talk to your vet about monthly tick/mite prevention medications for pets.
When to Seek Medical Care
See a doctor right away if you experience:
- Rash covering a large portion of the body
- Signs of infection like oozing/pus, expanding redness, streaks, fever
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe itching not relieved by antihistamines
- Flu-like illness following mite bites
Turkey mites can be frustrating and uncomfortable to deal with. The good news is there are many effective and safe ways to get rid of them on yourself, pets, clothing, and around your home. Combining prevention tips with prompt treatment will help provide fast relief and stop infestations.
How to Get Rid of Mites
How you get rid of mites depends on the type of mite and where they hide.
How to get rid of dust mites
Because dust mites live in bedding, drapes, carpeting, etc., those areas need to be either removed completely, covered, or thoroughly cleaned. You can start by covering your pillows and mattresses with tight-weave dust-proof covers, and be sure to dust hard surfaces regularly. You can also remove or avoid using the following in your home:
- Drapes and upholstered furniture, including headboards on your bed
- Stuffed animals and dust collectors in bedrooms, such as artificial flowers
- Wool blankets and down quilts
- Carpets
If you have upholstered furniture or carpeting, steam clean them whenever possible. The steam kills dust mites. Unfortunately, simple vacuuming doesnt eliminate them, but use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter.
Other steps you can take include:
- Wet mop your floors daily.
- Use a dehumidifier so your home isnt too damp (which mites love).
- Wash your bed linens and pillow and mattress covers in hot water weekly. If you have a dryer, use the high heat setting to dry them.
- Use a high quality air filter.
Get rid of other mites
How you get rid of other types of mites depends on the type and where they live. For example, bird and rodent mites live in cracks and crevices, usually in warm places, near their hosts or their nests. Wherever the mites live, its important to:
- Vacuum or clean them away with a wet cloth. Throw away the vacuum bag or cloth because the mites can crawl back out.
- Look for any nests or areas where rodents or birds may be nesting and remove them.
- Apply approved insecticides around the outside of your home, focusing on windows, doors, and anywhere else animals and mites can enter.
- Consult a professional exterminator if you cant reach the areas where mites are or if you are not having any success on your own.
- Clean your house regularly, and wash your bedding, curtains, carpets, and furniture often. If you think a specific item is infested with mites, seal it in a plastic container and get rid of it to keep the mites from spreading.â
Mites are everywhere, and we cant always prevent them. If you show any signs of having mite bites, you can take quick action to ease symptoms and get rid of the mites. If you suspect you have scabies, however, you need to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional. While annoying and uncomfortable, most mites arent serious and can be removed from your home.
How do you know if you have mites?
If you have an itchy rash or bumps on some areas of your body, it could be due to mites. If you have dust mites, you also may sneeze a lot, have a runny nose, or even wheeze.
How do you get rid of mites?
Getting rid of mites depends on the type of mite. The general recommendations include keeping your house dehumidified, vacuum and clean your home often, cover your mattress and pillows with antimite covers, and, if necessary, call in a professional exterminator.
How do you tell if you have mites in your house?
Because most mites are not seen by the naked eye, signs of mite bites would likely be the first clue that you could have mites in your house. The exception is with scabiesâif you have a burrowing type of rash in your skin, that is a sign of scabies.
What causes mites in your house?
Mites can enter your house in different ways. Dust mites are everywhere, just like dust, so they can enter through any opening in the home or cling to your clothing. Other types of mites, like bird and rodent mites or oak mites, enter your home as they cling to their host. Scabies is passed by direct contact from person to person.
More on Skin Problems and Treatments
Are Itchy Mite Bites Bugging You? Watch This.
FAQ
What kills mites instantly?
How long do turkey mites itch?
Can humans get mites from turkeys?
How do you get rid of Turkey mites?
Turkey mites can also be killed by putting the item that can’t be washed in a plastic bag and freezing it for 24 hours. This will kill the mites, but it won’t eliminate the allergens. The vacuum cleaner is made to remove mite allergens from your bed, couch, and mattress. It has a UV-C light and an electric brush roll.
Is there a natural remedy for ear mites?
Tea tree oil, when diluted with a carrier oil, can help alleviate ear mites in pets. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil, then apply a small amount to the pet’s ear using a clean cotton ball. However, consulting a veterinarian before using any natural remedies is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness, as untreated ear mite infestations can lead to complications.
How do you treat a Turkey mite bite?
Topical creams or ointments may also be used to help relieve itching and other symptoms associated with turkey mite bites. In severe cases, oral medications or other treatments may be necessary to help control the infestation and prevent further complications.
Do essential oils kill Turkey mites?
The essential oils of peppermint and lavender are effective against mites because they kill them when they are inhaled and touched. where the level of eucalyptus oil activity was the lowest. Essential oils have chemicals that can kill or scare away insects, like turkey mites. They are especially good at keeping mosquitoes away.