Mites are small arthropods belonging to arachnids, including spiders and ticks. They are closely related to ticks and are most closely associated with arachnids. They can be found in many different environments, including in soil, on plants, and on animals, including humans. Mites can be free-living or parasitic and have beneficial, neutral, or harmful effects on their host.
They cause skin irritation, allergies, and other health problems. To help control these pests in your home, it’s essential to keep the living areas clean and vacuumed, use air purifiers, and avoid clutter. Controlling mites at home, you must identify what kind of mites you have. There are numerous varieties of mites, each one tailored to a particular host or habitat.
Types of mites
Dust Mites
One of the most frequent types in homes is dust mites, which belong to the Pyroglyphidae family. They’re tiny eight-legged arachnids that like warm, humid environments. These creatures are significant causes of indoor allergies, as they feed on the skin scales that people and animals shed, and their feces and body parts can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Skin mites
A type of mite that lives on the skin of animals and humans. They can cause various skin conditions, such as itching, redness, and rash. Scabies and Demodex are the two most typical forms of skin mites. Scabies can cause skin irritation and itching. While Demodex rarely causes symptoms, it can irritate and inflame the skin, resulting in rosacea or blepharitis.
Storage mites
Storage mites are typically small and are not visible to the naked eye. They can infest stored foods and can cause allergic reactions in some people. These creepy crawling parasites are especially problematic in damp and warm environments, so storing products in cool, dry, and well-ventilated places is important.
Spider mites
Spider mites can inflict significant damage on crops by consuming their leaves. They are common pests in gardens and agricultural fields and can cause considerable damage to crops. They feed on many plants’ leaves, buds, and fruit. The leaves may turn brown and fall off in severe infestations, and the plant may become stunted or even killed.
Standard methods of treating mites
Treating mites with a vacuum
Vacuuming is an effective way to remove this kind of pests from your home or other indoor spaces. Regularly vacuuming your living areas can help control mites by removing their food sources and the pests themselves. When cleaning, it is essential to focus on areas where the pest are known to congregate, such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and bedding. To prevent mite pests from escaping and spreading, immediately dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag or empty the canister after vacuuming.
It is also essential to remember that vacuuming alone is not enough to eliminate mites, especially when dealing with heavy infestation. It is always best to consult a professional for appropriate treatment, like mite treatment in Oklahoma if the infestation is severe.
Washing with hot water
Washing items in hot water effectively kills mites and removes their eggs from clothing, bedding, and other household items. The key to successful treatment is using water at least 130°F (54°C), as these pests cannot survive at such high temperatures. To make sure that all the mites and their eggs are eliminated, it is crucial to use a detergent and clean the items for a minimum of 30 minutes while washing.
Dust mite covers
Using dust mite covers on mattresses, pillows, and box springs can be an effective way to help control mites in your home. Dust mite covers are specially designed to encase your bedding and prevent this pest from getting in or out.
When using dust mite covers, make sure they fit securely around the item being covered. Wash them in hot water regularly to remove any trapped mites. Dust mite covers can effectively reduce the number of mites in your home, particularly in the bedroom, where they are known to congregate.
Treating mites with Pesticides
Pesticides can effectively control mites in your home, but using them properly and safely is essential to avoid any adverse effects.
When using pesticides to control these pests, it’s essential to follow the instructions on the label, including recommendations for how much product to use and how often to reapply. Protecting yourself by wearing gloves and a mask and avoiding breathing in the spray is also necessary.
Additionally, before using any pesticides, you must identify the type of mites you have and ensure the pesticide you use is effective against that specific type. Some types of mites might have developed resistance to certain pesticides.
Using Essential oils
Essential oils can be an effective way to repel and kill the mite. Some essential oils have insecticidal properties. Essential oils are also a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
Some examples are tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil. Cleaning solutions can either have additives mixed in with them, or applied directly to surfaces. It’s essential to use the oils in a proper dilution and not to use the oils now on the skin or ingested. It’s always best to test a small area before treating a whole room or furniture. Follow the label instructions carefully, including recommendations for how much product to use and how often to reapply.
Remember that some essential oils can be toxic to pets, and some people may react to certain oils. Use them with caution and consult with a professional before using them.
Be mindful
It’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a one-time fix, and it may require multiple treatments. If the infestation is severe or widespread, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Pest control professionals have access to more powerful pesticides and other specialized treatment methods that may be necessary to get rid of the mites.