Mites are a common problem. If left untreated, they will multiply and can cause an infestation in your home and health problems for your family. Human mites can sometimes cause no symptoms, but there are some people that are more prone to suffering. Mite bites can produce skin rashes, itching and other unpleasant problems. We’re going to look at how to identify these tiny bugs and what we can do to get rid of them.
5 Tips for the Elimination of Mites
1. Identify the species 2. Remove infected materials 3. Clean up 4. Use an insecticide 5. Moisture control
Mite Species and How You Can Identify them
Without knowing exactly what type of mite you’re dealing with, chances are you won’t be able to get rid of them. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types:
Chiggers. Chigger mites are tiny in size and they vary in colour, but can be orange, yellow, or a bright red. Chiggers are a type of mite that affect both humans and animals. They cause skin itching, that can be quite intense, with a raised or flat red bump on the skin.
Dust Mites. A very common mite that can cause allergic reactions in humans such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, having a blocked nose and itching. They are tiny clear bugs that only be seen under a microscope, so a skin prick test is usually necessary to diagnose the allergy. Consult your GP if you think you may be suffering from dust mite allergies.
Ear Mites. These mites live in ears of animals and humans. They aren’t usually visible to the naked eye but can be seen through red, sore patches of skins around and in the ears. They can be treated with anti-parasite treatments from healthcare professionals.
Scabies. This is a microscopic mite that burrows into the skin causing skin rashes and intense itching. It is very contagious through skin-to-skin contact and through sharing bedding or clothing. The rash can mainly be seen between the toes and fingers, and around the wrist, elbow, armpits, abdomen, genitalia, nipples and the groin. Treatment is usually prescribed insecticides from your GP.
Spider Mites/White Mites. These are visible as tiny white bugs, often described as looking like grains of salt or sugar. They can cause infestations in your home or even your car. You will find them on your furniture, carpets, curtains, bed linen and all other house furnishings. White mites are considered harmless by some as they don’t bite, but they DO shed hairs and it is these that can produce allergic reactions in humans.
Life cycle of a spider mite
How to Identify Mite Bites
It’s very important to identify the mites you are dealing with, one way to check is to look for bites and rashes in specific areas of your body (see the guide above). Mites can be difficult to identify, so you may have to make an appointment with a health professional to get a proper diagnosis.
How to Remove White Mites from your Home
1. Clean and Vacuum Once mites are in your home it is important to remove any infected materials and clean them all thoroughly. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner to suction all of the infested areas then wipe all surfaces and furniture with a damp cloth. Wash bedding and curtains on the hottest recommended temperature. If the infestation is really bad, removal of carpets may be necessary but initially check that the carpet is correctly sized for the floor and not spreading up the skirting boards at any point. Clean carpets and mop floors with a warm, soapy solution.
2. Use insecticide Now everywhere has been thoroughly cleansed, it may be necessary to use an insecticide if you see further evidence of mites in your home. Insecticides containing permethrim such as this are usually recommended for mite infestations. Vacuum again after the spray has had time to work, remembering to go into hard-to-reach places where the mites could still be hiding.
3. Control Moisture Levels All mites are attracted to damp and warmth. Check for leaking taps and pipes around any entrances to your home. If necessary, use a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit to draw the moisture out of the air which will hopefully stop attracting another infestation.
Easy Ways to Prevent White Mites
Keep food storage areas dry and cool
Store food in airtight containers
Store clothes in closed cupboards
Clean carpets regularly and make sure they fit correctly
Keep a lookout for mites in your garden and stop them before they reach your home
Use protective dust-proof covers on all mattresses
Keep damp out of your home using a dehumidifier
White Mite FAQs
Are White Mites Harmful to Humans? White mites do not bite but they can cause allergic reactions in humans through the small fine hairs that they frequently shed.
Where do White Mites Come From? White mites are attracted to moisture and therefore if your home has areas where there are problem damp areas (such as leaking water pipes or taps). Also, if you’ve been suffering from a house infestation, check for mites on your garden plants too and remove any plants you find that have been affected.
Mites are a common problem. If left untreated, they will multiply and can cause an infestation in your home and health problems for your family. Human mites can sometimes cause no symptoms, but there are some people that are more prone to suffering. Mite bites can produce skin rashes, itching and other unpleasant problems. We’re going to look at how to identify these tiny bugs and what we can do to get rid of them.
5 Tips for the Elimination of Mites
1. Identify the species
2. Remove infected materials
3. Clean up
4. Use an insecticide
5. Moisture control
Mite Species and How You Can Identify them
Without knowing exactly what type of mite you’re dealing with, chances are you won’t be able to get rid of them. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types:
Life cycle of a spider mite
How to Identify Mite Bites
It’s very important to identify the mites you are dealing with, one way to check is to look for bites and rashes in specific areas of your body (see the guide above). Mites can be difficult to identify, so you may have to make an appointment with a health professional to get a proper diagnosis.
How to Remove White Mites from your Home
1. Clean and Vacuum
Once mites are in your home it is important to remove any infected materials and clean them all thoroughly. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner to suction all of the infested areas then wipe all surfaces and furniture with a damp cloth. Wash bedding and curtains on the hottest recommended temperature. If the infestation is really bad, removal of carpets may be necessary but initially check that the carpet is correctly sized for the floor and not spreading up the skirting boards at any point. Clean carpets and mop floors with a warm, soapy solution.
2. Use insecticide
Now everywhere has been thoroughly cleansed, it may be necessary to use an insecticide if you see further evidence of mites in your home. Insecticides containing permethrim such as this are usually recommended for mite infestations. Vacuum again after the spray has had time to work, remembering to go into hard-to-reach places where the mites could still be hiding.
3. Control Moisture Levels
All mites are attracted to damp and warmth. Check for leaking taps and pipes around any entrances to your home. If necessary, use a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit to draw the moisture out of the air which will hopefully stop attracting another infestation.
Easy Ways to Prevent White Mites
White Mite FAQs
Are White Mites Harmful to Humans?
White mites do not bite but they can cause allergic reactions in humans through the small fine hairs that they frequently shed.
Where do White Mites Come From?
White mites are attracted to moisture and therefore if your home has areas where there are problem damp areas (such as leaking water pipes or taps). Also, if you’ve been suffering from a house infestation, check for mites on your garden plants too and remove any plants you find that have been affected.