What Are Mites?

Mites are tiny bugs that can be found living in your home, office and garden surroundings. They are very small, about 1/20th of a centimetre long, and can be seen by the naked eye. However, the best way to identify them is through a microscope. The majority of mite species can’t cause damage to your property or harm your health, but some species, like dust mites, can cause health problems such as allergic reactions and asthma.

Types of Mites

Mites belong to the arachnids family, along with spiders and ticks. There are approximately 50,000 known species of mite in the world, divided into two main groups – the Acarina and the Sarcoptiformes. Acarina mites are mostly predatory mites, living off other smaller animals, dead skin cells and stopped organic matter. Sarcoptiformes mites are parasitic and feed off the bodies of their host, where they transmit diseases and cause extreme levels of skin irritation.

Examples of mites include:

• House Dust Mites – For most people, house dust mites are the most commonly encountered mites, found in mattresses, pillows, bedding and soft surfaces.

• Bed Bugs – Found living in beds and furniture, these wingless mites feed on human blood and can spread quickly through contact.

• Chicken Mites – Usually found on chickens, other bird species and other mammals, chicken mites feed on blood like bed bugs and can spread disease.

Controlling Mites

If you believe you have a mite infestation, the best way to get rid of them is to use an insecticide specifically designed for mites. Store-bought pesticides in concentrated form, such as sprays and foggers, can be effective in controlling mite populations, although they may require several applications. It is also possible to hire a pest control professional to treat the infestation. Additionally, physically eliminating breeding sites and daily vacuuming can also help reduce the mite population. To prevent mites from coming into your home, seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors and ventilation ducts and keep your living space free from dust and dirt.