Mite Identification & Prevention

Mites are a type of arachnid hailing from the orders Acariformes and Parasitiformes. Found in nearly every country in the world, these tiny pests feed on plants, skin cells, and even human blood, surviving in some of the most extreme places on earth.

You’re not likely to see mites around your property, as many are extremely tiny or even microscopic. However, there are a few species easily seen by the naked eye, including:

• Clover mites
• Dust mites
• Chiggers
• Scabies mites
• Chicken mites

Mites prefer to migrate wherever their food may be and cannot take up residence in a place without a host. Owning animals and outdoor livestock may increase your likelihood of mites, as well as an active lifestyle that takes you into bushy backwoods areas. You may want to consider setting up professional pest control in Plymouth, MA, to get invading pests under control.

Many mites pose little, if any, danger to people, pets, or properties. Species like clover mites do not parasitize humans and prefer to live outside on patios or decks. Others consume molds, mildews, and other organic matter, meaning they do not require a blood meal to survive.

Unfortunately, there are some species of mites that do feed on the blood of humans and pets. Itch mites and scabies mites are some of the most common, as well as chicken mites, during the summer months. Others, like chiggers, feed on liquified skin cells.

Most mite bites create nothing more than an uncomfortable itch for people and pets. However, some species can spread infectious diseases, such as rickettsialpox and scrub typhus.

There are trillions of mites alive in the world today, and every backyard is home to at least a few species. However, some property owners may experience worse infestations than others, especially if:

• You have a high volume of wild animal activity in the yard.
• You own livestock, outdoor cats and dogs, or bring pets inside.
• You have tall grasses and thick shrubs around the house.
• You maintain stagnant water pools where animals gather together.

Keep in mind an explosion of mite activity is rarely brought on by negligence. These tiny pests can spread in a flash, and warm water, heavy rainfall, and seasonal animal activity can increase their prevalence despite your best prevention efforts.

Mites must remain on or near their host to survive more than just a few days. Many species prefer to infest certain mammal and avian species and cannot remain on humans for more than a few days. Scabies mites, however, live full-time on people and leave harrowing bites in their wake.

Mites that cause the most trouble for people tend to prefer accessible areas that are often in contact with the ground. Keep an eye out for red bites near your hands, arms, feet, and ankles, and wash with soap and water immediately to scrub away remaining mites.

It’s difficult to get rid of chiggers and other mites through conventional pest control methods. These tiny creatures can be hard to spot and even harder to control through DIY techniques, especially if you live in a rural area or experience repeat infestations throughout the year. For this reason, the best, cheapest, and most effective way to manage mites is to contact the professionals at Combat Pest Control.

Combat Pest Control lives up to its name as a well-rounded defender of Maryland properties. With more than 25 years of industry experience, we have everything you need to identify, treat, and control mite-infested areas. It’s not just about our no-nonsense guarantee – it’s a promise we make from one neighbor to the next.

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation for home pest control in Plymouth.

The following tips can help you prevent mite infestations near your Plymouth home or business:

• Mow your grass frequently and prune back tall shrubs near the sides of your home. 
• Power wash your patio and roof every year. This is a great solution for clover mites in particular.
• Investigate ways to reduce wildlife animal activity by limiting food and water sources and installing fencing.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing in known infestation areas, then wash thoroughly after returning inside.
• Bathe your pets regularly and apply flea, tick, and mite repellents at appropriate intervals.
• Consider washing your pet’s bedding at least twice per month to reduce mite harborage zones.

For the most effective mite control, consult with the team behind Combat Pest Control to set up regular preventative pest control visits to control chiggers in Massachusetts.