How to Identify Mites

Multiple species of mites are common in the New York area, including plant and dust mites. Certain mites, notably bird mites, rodent mites, and raccoon mites will bite (and spread disease) making them a nasty pest.

Mites are arachnids, cousins of ticks and spiders. They are parasites and feed off of the blood or skin of warm-blooded host animals. Mites are extremely tiny. Adults of some larger species are about the size of the period at the end of this sentence. Others can only be seen with a magnifying glass. They have powerful front-gripping legs and jaws that can deliver an oversized bite.

dust mite
Dust Mites

THE SIGNS OF Mites

Mites are tiny, so if you’re dealing with a mite problem, you may not even know it. If you suspect you have a mite infestation, you may notice the following signs:

 

  •  Small hard bumps on the skin
  • Itching, irritation, and/or swelling
  • Red patches
  • Respiratory symptoms, including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, a cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing

THE RISKS OF MITES

Mites are fast reproducers with their offspring being 95% female. With a good food source, few can multiply into thousands very quickly. Mites can be very hearty survivors and can withstand great extremes in the environment from 4° below zero F, to as high as 125° F. Mites can also go without feeding for extended periods of time, almost completely shutting down their metabolism until conditions become more favorable or a host becomes available.

Mites are more than annoying because, like most parasites, they carry and transmit disease throughout the bird and animal communities, both wild and domestic. When they invade human spaces where people live, sleep, and work the problem can impact their health and wellbeing. Mites can spread from one host to another and in short order every member of your family including pets. People you work with or come in contact with can also become hosts to Mites.

Bites & Irritation

Mites' bites can cause severe skin irritation and itching in both humans and animals.

Cause Illnesses

Mites are known to transmit a number of illnesses including scabies and mange.

How WE KNOCK OUT MITES

If you think you have a mite problem, contact two professionals: Knockout Pest Control and your doctor (and vet for your pets). We can analyze and identify evidence of mite infestation, including its species. Your physician or vet can determine if you have been exposed to scabies or mange.

Mites can be a very difficult pest to eradicate. Many home remedies actually spread them. Mites are resistant to common over-the-counter pesticides, too. You also need to know where they hide to eliminate dormant mites and mite eggs.

Get Rid of Mites Fast
Call 1-800-244-PEST (1-800-244-7378)

We respond like every pest problem is an emergency with fast, 24 hour service seven days a week.

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