Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause irritation and discomfort when they infest homes. Although invisible to the naked eye, mites can be found in mattresses, carpets, furniture and pet bedding. When mite populations grow, their fecal matter and cast-off skins can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Keeping mites under control involves using miticides and practicing good household hygiene. This article explores common mite species, signs of infestations, and effective remedies for repelling mites.
Common Household Mite Species
There are over 48,000 identified species of mites globally, but only a handful commonly infest homes. The most prevalent domestic mites include:
Dust Mites
Dust mites feed on dead human skin cells and thrive in warm, humid environments like mattresses, carpets, stuffed animals, and furniture. They are a common trigger for asthma and allergies. The two main culprits are:
- Dermatophagoides farinae – Found across North America
- Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus – A tropical species, distributed globally
Storage Mites
Storage mites invade stored food products like grains, flours, cheese, dried fruits and pet food. They can trigger skin, eye and respiratory irritation and asthma symptoms. Common storage mite species include:
- Tyrophagus putrescentiae – Infests stored products worldwide
- Acarus siro – Invades grain, flour, cheese and dried fruit
- Lepidoglyphus destructor – Feasts on grains, nuts and dried fruits
Chiggers
Chiggers, also called harvest mites, are outdoor mites belonging to the Trombiculidae family. The larvae bite humans and feed on skin, often around ankles, wrists and waistbands. Bites cause severe itching.
Bird and Rodent Mites
Mites associated with birds and rodents will bite humans when their normal hosts die off. Bird mites attack humans when nesting birds vacate the nest. Rodent mites bite when mice or rats die inside walls or crawlspaces. Bites can cause red welts, intense itching and dermatitis.
Signs of a Mite Infestation
Mites produce irritants and allergens that generate visible symptoms signaling an infestation:
Skin Irritation
Mites can provoke skin irritation, dermatitis, intense itching and biting sensations. Bites often occur at night since mites are nocturnal. Red bumps and hives may develop on the face, scalp, neck, and body. Scratching leads to excoriation and secondary infections.
Asthma and Allergy Flare-ups
Inhaling mite allergens can exacerbate asthma and trigger respiratory distress, sneezing, congestion, coughing and watery eyes. Allergy symptoms flare up and worsen if mites proliferate unchecked.
Black Dots on Mattresses
Accumulated mite poop and shells appear as black dots when closely inspecting mattresses, especially along seams and edges. A magnifying glass helps identify them. Even a small number signals a larger unseen population.
Musty Odor
A peculiar stale, musty or “dusty” smell may permeate a room with a heavy mite infestation. This scent comes from mite waste and decomposing carcasses. It grows more pungent as populations expand.
| Signs of Mites | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | Itching, bites, hives, dermatitis |
| Asthma and Allergy Flare-ups | Wheezing, congestion, respiratory distress |
| Black Dots on Mattresses | Mite droppings and shells |
| Musty Odor | Stale, dusty, decomposing smell |
Effective Mite Control Methods
Controlling mites involves regular cleaning, using miticides, reducing humidity, encasing mattresses, and replacing problem items.
Vacuuming and Steam Cleaning
Frequent vacuuming removes dust that feeds mites. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens. Steam cleaning kills mites on contact while removing waste. Focus on mattresses, carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture and pet bedding.
Washing Fabrics in Hot Water
Wash bedding, linens, clothes and other washable fabrics in the hottest water they can withstand. Then run them through the high heat dryer cycle to kill any remaining mites.
Discarding Infested Items
Badly infested pillows, mattresses, carpets and pet bedding may need replacement to fully solve a mite problem. Remove clutter and stuffed animals which are difficult to clean.
Cleaning with Mite-killing Products
Apply EPA-registered miticides according to label directions. Available products include:
- Acaricides with benzyl benzoate or tannic acid
- Essential oil sprays with clove oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil etc.
- Enzyme cleaner solutions
- Bleach – kills mites through oxidation
Focus on hidden hot spots like bed frames, box springs, cracks and crevices.
Reducing Humidity Levels
Mites thrive in damp conditions. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to keep indoor humidity below 50%. Avoid overflowing humidifiers. Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens when cooking and showering.
Mattress and Pillow Encasings
Cover mattresses and pillows in dustproof encasings to entrap remaining mites inside. The woven fabric blocks entry and exit while resisting moisture. Select quality encasings with a low micron rating.
Essential Oil Repellents
Natural essential oils make excellent mite repellents. Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, neem oil, and citrus oils can deter mites when applied properly. Research shows cedar oil, menthol, and camphor effectively repel and kill mites.
Conclusion
Mites are microscopic arachnids present in most homes. When populations explode, mites become a nuisance. They produce potent allergens inducing asthma flares, dermatitis and misery. Stopping mites requires diligent cleaning, applying miticides, reducing humidity, encasing bedding, and discarding problem items. Maintaining low mite levels provides a cleaner, healthier indoor environment. Consistent monitoring and control measures help keep these pesky arachnids at bay.