Mites Unmasked: Types and Tips for Effective Control

Mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures with biting mouthparts that thrive in moist conditions. Nowadays, residential mite infestations are rare as we tend to keep our environments clean and dry. Infestations generally occur when infested animals such as birds or rodents are present and the conditions are moist or humid.

Common nuisance mites include dust mites, scabies mites, poultry mites, Starling (bird) mites, and food mites.

Pest controllers are generally only called upon to address Bird Mite issues when infested birds access roof spaces or other areas of buildings. Most mite problems are rectified with a thorough clean if the source has been removed.

Types of Mites in Mackay:

Bird Mites

Starling mites and Poultry red mites are parasites that live on birds and their nests. When birds or nests are removed, the mites will seek out new hosts, often in large numbers, descending from the roof void and irritating building occupants below.

Pigeon nesting among anti-bird spikes on a ledge, surrounded by feathers and debris. The setting is urban and gritty. — A pigeon nests among anti-bird spikes on a ledge, highlighting the challenge of controlling mite-spreading birds in urban areas.

Bird mites crawling on wooden beams, forming a trail. The wood is light brown with visible grain, in a well-lit, close-up setting. — Bird mites clustering on a wooden surface, highlighting their potential for spread from wild birds to domestic environments.

Environmental factors that can contribute to a mite infestation in your home:

Roof voids with damaged areas which allow birds to enter the roof space and nest.
Poultry pens or bird aviaries where wild birds are in contact with the flock.
Birdhouses where wild birds visit or nest that your domesticated animals have access to below.

Prevention and Control:

The best approach is to remove all nesting materials and treat the area with a mild pesticidal powder for peace of mind.
Prevention is best! Ensure your enclosures are secure from wild birds. Avoid attracting wild birds by keeping food and nesting areas to an enclosed area.
Ensure new additions to your flock are from a reputable source.
Keep the area around aviary's & poultry pens free from overhanging branches or structures that allow wild birds roost.

For advice, All Things Pest Control recommends speaking to your local pet shop, produce store or Vet for products you can use that deter mites from becoming a problem.

Food Mites

Food mites, commonly referred to as "stored product mites," are tiny arthropods that infest food products, primarily grains, flour, and other stored foods. Not to be confused with Grain Beetles or Weevils, these Mites can be as small as a dusting of Flour!

Characteristics of Food Mites:

Food mites are usually very small, typically ranging from 0.3 to 1 mm in length, making them difficult to see without magnification.
They can appear white, tan, or light brown, and their bodies are often oval-shaped. They may have a fuzzy or granular texture.
They thrive in various conditions, particularly in warm, humid environments where they can find a food source easily, such as in pantries or kitchens.

Food mites primarily feed on stored food products, including:

Grains (wheat, rice, oats)
Flour
Dried fruits
Spices
Nuts
Cheese and other dairy products

Life Cycle:

Egg: Females lay eggs in or near food sources.
Larvae: The eggs hatch into larvae which feed and grow.
Nymphs: After molting, they become nymphs, which also feed and mature into adults.
Adults: Adult mites can reproduce quickly under optimal conditions, leading to rapid infestations.

Issues Caused by Food Mites:

Food Contamination: Their presence can lead to contamination of food products, leading to spoilage and waste.
Allergies: Some people may develop allergic reactions to mite faeces or body fragments, resulting in respiratory issues or skin irritations.
Economic Impact: Infestations can cause significant economic losses in food storage and preparation settings, including homes and commercial establishments.

Jars of various flours labeled as tapioca, coconut, sorghum, white rice, bean, and almond arranged neatly on white shelves. — Sealed jars are essential for preserving pantry staples and preventing mite infestations from newly introduced goods.

Prevention and Control:

Storage: Store food in airtight containers to prevent access for mites.
Cleanliness: Maintain good kitchen hygiene, regularly cleaning pantries and food storage areas.
Temperature and Humidity Control: Keep storage areas cool and dry, as high humidity promotes mite infestations.
Inspection: Regularly check stored food for signs of infestation, such as tiny insects, webbing, or unusual odour.

If an infestation occurs, it typically involves discarding infested food products and cleaning the affected area thoroughly.

If discarding is not an option, freezing can be, provided you're OK with dead mites in the produce.. What's a little bit of extra protein right!? Placing infested foods into a freezer for at least 48 hours can assist with breaking the mites life cycle.

Pest Control misting treatments are used in situations where the food has been removed and cleaning has been completed. The treatment can be applied to surfaces and cracks and crevices where the food is stored. A follow up in one week ensures the life cycle is broken for any mite eggs left behind and freshly hatched.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures closely related to ticks and spiders. They are invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under a microscope. These microscopic organisms feed on the skin cells shed by humans.

Common household items such as bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting offer the perfect conditions for dust mites to live and reproduce.

Dust mites are creatures that many of us coexist with, often without experiencing noticeable reactions.

Prevention and Control:

To reduce their numbers, it's best to regularly wash bed linens in hot water, use air purifiers, always use mattress protectors, take anti-allergy medications, and regularly remove dust from your home.

Pest controllers are generally not needed to address dust mites, as altering the environmental conditions is the most effective long-term solution.

There is a proven link between asthma and dust mites, All Things Pest Control recommends consulting with your Doctor about measures you can take to minimize serious reactions to dust mite exposure.

Scabies Mites

Scabies mites are microscopic parasites that cause scabies, a highly contagious skin condition. These mites are about 0.2 to 0.4 millimetres in size and can only be seen with a microscope. They burrow into the outer layer of the skin, where they lay their eggs and live, causing intense itching and a rash.

Diagram showing scabies on a hand, with inflamed skin. Labels: "Scabies Mite" and "Mites burrow under the skin and lay eggs."

Scabies is primarily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, making it common in crowded or close-contact settings, such as households, nursing homes, and childcare facilities.

Symptoms of Scabies:

Intense itching, often worse at night.
A rash that may include red bumps, blisters, or sores.
Burrows, which may appear as tiny, thin lines on the skin.

Prevention:

Good hygiene and avoiding close contact with an infested person can help prevent scabies. Washing bedding and clothes in hot water can also eliminate mites and eggs.

Scabies is a medical issue, not a pest control problem. Treatment with hygiene practices and medical creams typically resolves it. If you suspect a scabies infestation, consult your doctor promptly.

If you suspect scabies, it's crucial to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and proper treatment.

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Mites can be a challenging pest to manage. To effectively eliminate them, it is crucial to maintain regular cleaning routines and identify their source.

Cleaning is the first step in the eradication process, as it helps to remove any existing mites and their eggs. Without this initial effort, mites are likely to reinfest your space over time.

Person in a blue shirt and gloves cleaning a kitchen counter with a spray bottle and cloth. Background includes jars and plants. — This two-step approach—cleaning followed by professional pest control—is essential for long-term success.

Once thorough cleaning has been conducted, a pest control treatment can be employed as a final measure to ensure complete eradication of treatable mites.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by a mite infestation, remember that All Things Pest Control in Mackay is here to help. Our team is ready to assist you in reclaiming your space from these pesky invaders.