How to get rid of this?
Mites are all around us. These teensy insects exist across the globe, and Canada alone is home to several thousand species of them.
Many types of mites are so small that they can’t be seen with the naked eye, and not all are harmful. Dust mites, for instance, feed on dead skin flakes shed by humans and animals – gross but actually helpful.
However, if mites have invaded your home and are causing bites or allergies, it’s time to take action with the help of a professional pest control company.
How To Identify Mites
Mites look like tiny ticks, with round bodies and eight jointed legs. Most are brown, grey, tan, or reddish-brown, but some species can be bright colours like blue or green. Many mites are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Signs of an Infestation
Most often, you won’t be aware of the mites living on your property. They typically live on or near their hosts and can be spread wherever these host animals (or humans) travel. However, if you begin to experience unexplained itching or allergies, mites could be the culprit.
In homes, mites tend to live in carpets, furniture, and mattresses. They could also be found on pets or other household pests (like rodents). Occasionally, certain types of mites like scabies and chigger mites can bury themselves under human skin and tissue and cause considerable health concerns.
How To Prevent Mites From Invading
Keep your home and property clean and tidy. Vacuum regularly, mow the lawn and remove organic litter, wash bed linens in hot water, dust surfaces, keep pets healthy and clean, and keep humidity levels low. You might even consider using a mite-proof mattress cover.
Habitat, Diet, and Life Cycle
Habitat
Mites live and spread wherever their host animals are found. From deep soil and aquatic environments to bird nests to upholstery, mites can and do thrive in a huge range of environments.
Diet
Different types of mites have different diets. They form parasitic relationships with host animals and occasionally even feed on blood for sustenance. In general, they don’t specifically target humans. But they do feed on humans when other food sources are scarce.
Life Cycle
Like most insects, mites have four life stages: Egg, larva, nymph, and adult. It usually takes several weeks for a mature mite to develop, but under ideal conditions, it can be just a matter of days.
How Worried Should I Be About Mites?
If mites are causing you discomfort, it’s time to worry. Itchy rashes and allergic reactions such as stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing are no fun to live with. Do you suspect that mites are causing health issues in your home? Call Gilles Lambert Pest Control Services Inc. today!