What Kind of Mites Can Bite People, Infest Homes or Live on Human Skin?
Types and species of mites that can irritate or paratize humans:
Planet Earth is home to more than 48,000 species of mites. A very limited number of them tend to bite or infest humans, live within skin, transmit disease or breed within homes. For a quick look at the mites that can bother people and the level of damage they can do, see the following list.
SCABIES MITES: These mites burrow under human skin to complete their life cycle and cause chronic problems that present a challenge to physicians. Unlike other mites that irritate humans, scabies are mostly contracted through skin-to-skin contact; however, indirect transfer from garments or bedclothes can occur. Since scabies can survive up to 36 hours without a human host, direct treatment of bedding is a good idea for victims who share couches or sleeping quarters with others. Mite victims who don’t respond to mainstream chemical treatments may benefit greatly from our indoor cedar oil formulation. Unlike other essential oils sold for beauty or aroma therapy purposes, our product is filtered and purified to the highest degree so that it won’t stain carpets, furniture or bedding. It is mixed with a special organic solvent so that the oil and water won’t separate. Therefore, it can be applied to wide areas evenly. The formula is also safe for direct application to humans. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of cedar oil triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Learn more about the symptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of scabies mites.
BIRD MITES: These mites bite along the skin’s surface and generally don’t remain long because they can’t get proper nutrition from humans. Even so, a bird mite infestation can feel like an eternity when new mites in a victim’s surroundings keep finding their way to humans. Homes can become infested when abandoned bird nests remain lodged into chimneys, attics, gutters or window mounted air conditioning units. Nest removal and aggressive home treatment is vital because bird mites often enter homes by the thousands. Certain species can live up to nine months without a host and cause problems long after the initial infestation is thought to be resolved. For this reason, fumigation with our dry fog machine is highly recommended to penetrate unseen cracks and crevices within the home. With fog treatment, our formula settles on walls and other surfaces that are often overlooked when treating for mites. (If you don’t have a fog machine, it is highly recommended that you spray a Swiffer mop with our indoor formula to go over the walls.) You may also treat skin, carpets and bedding directly with our indoor spray formula. Parasitic arthropods absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores. The formula can be used as a direct hit spray to destroy the common household insects you see. It also erodes the exoskeleton of insects that crawl through treated areas, contributing to the early demise of insects you don’t see.
Learn more about the symptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of bird mites.
RODENT MITES: These mites may linger in homes after rodents are exterminated. They tend to drop off human skin after feeding. They may hide near places where humans rest or congregate near heat sources such as stoves and pipes. Unlike other mites that bite humans, rodent mites possess the ability to transfer many diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rats and rat mites spread over 35 diseases worldwide. Infestations cannot be resolved without the extermination of live rodents and hygienic disposal of dead rodents. For this reason, fumigation with our dry fog machine is highly recommended to penetrate unseen cracks and crevices within the home. With fog treatment, our formula settles on walls and other surfaces that are often overlooked when treating for mites. (If you don’t have a fog machine, it is highly recommended that you spray a Swiffer mop with our indoor formula to go over the walls.) You may also treat skin, carpets and bedding directly with our indoor spray formula. Parasitic arthropods absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores. The formula can be used as a direct hit spray to destroy the common household insects you see. It also erodes the exoskeleton of insects that crawl through treated areas, contributing to the early demise of insects you don’t see. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Learn more about the symptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of rodent mites.
HOUSE DUST MITES: Dust mites do not bite people. They feed on human skin flakes that collect in dust on beds, couches and carpets. Dust mites produce secretions that can cause itchy red bumps, nasal irritation and a variety of respiratory problems, including asthma. They can survive on human bedding for four to six weeks without a host. A typical mattress can have 100,000 to one million mites inside. For those who suffer from chronic or severe allergies, frequent vacuuming may not be enough. Mites and their microscopic waste materials can be pulled into ventilation systems and recycled back into the environment. Spray treatment of mattresses and fog treatment of ventilation systems is advised. Carpets should also be treated with a direct mist of our indoor formula. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of cedar oil triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Learn more about the symptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of dust mite infestations.
CHIGGERS: Chigger mites cannot infest homes or live within human skin. Only in their larval stage do they attach to humans. They tend to drop off within several hours. To control advanced chigger populations, spray lawns and shrubs with our organic outdoor concentrate. To keep chiggers from landing on you, mist your skin and clothing with our indoor formula. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Learn more about the syptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of chigger mites.
CHEYLETIELLA MITES: These mites are most commonly associated with cats, dogs, and rabbits, but they can also live comfortably on humans for extended periods of time. Dandruff like flakes are often–but not necessarily–present on the host. For this reason, the cheyletiella mite is also known as the “Walking Dandruff Mite.” Direct spray treatment of pets, humans, carpets and furniture is strongly advised. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Learn more about the symptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of cheyletiella mites.
DEMODEX MITES: These mites are extremely common, often beneficial and usually harmless. Only when they multiply out of control can they cause or aggravate conditions such as acne, rosacea, hair thinning and hair loss. Total home treatment is not necessary, but spray treatment of the scalp is quite beneficial. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Learn more about the sympyoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of demodex mites.
STRAW ITCH MITES (GRAIN MITES): These mites prefer to feed upon the bodily fluids of insects that infest stored food. They don’t stay on humans long, but their bites can cause much agony. Infestations are best resolved through the eradication of host insects such as cockroaches, flour moths and grain beetles. Direct spray treatment of cabinets and pantries with our indoor formula is strongly advised. The aroma of our cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores. For advanced infestations in barns or food warehouses, fumigation with our dry fog machine is highly recommended to penetrate unseen cracks and crevices. For outdoor infestations, treat mulch, straw and other landscaping materials with our outdoor concentrate. For best results, focus on areas that touch the perimeter of your home.
Learn more about the symptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of straw itch mites.
SPIDER MITES: These plant dwellers rarely bite humans or animals, but they can cause significant damage to plant and tree life. Those fond of growing plants indoors may find them within the home, and those who handle plants directly may get them on their skin. Indoor treatment is not necessary because spider mites that are found roaming away from plants will soon die. Plants, crops and gardens may be treated with our outdoor concentrate to prevent widespread damage. The highly fragrant aroma prevents a wide range of parasites from landing on treated plants.
Learn more about the habits, characteristics, treatment and prevention of spider mites.
CLOVER MITES: Clover mites do not bite people or animals or cause structural damage. They are mainly nuisance pests that invade homes in unbelievable numbers, especially in the spring. When smashed, their bodily fluids produce red stains on carpets and walls. Spray treatment of wood siding and specific indoor surfaces is advised. For chronic cases where clover mites tend to invade year after year, fumigation with our dry fog machine is highly recommended to penetrate unseen cracks and crevices. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores. In outdoor environments, the highly fragrant aroma of our outdoor concentrate prevents a wide range of crop pests from landing on treated plants.
Learn more about the habits, characteristics, treatment and prevention of clover mites.
MANGE MITES: Three types of mites cause mange in dogs:
- 1.) Sarcoptic mange mites cause widespread hair loss and oozing sores on pets. Unlike the human scabies mite which is primarily transferred through skin-to-skin contact or direct contact with infested surfaces, the sarcoptic scabies mite can jump to a new host from the floor. It’s a good idea to wear socks around the house, as these mites often attack feet and ankles. Thankfully, sarcoptic mange mites tend not to persist on humans or burrow under human skin, but they can cause plenty of transient discomfort and irritation. For added protection, spray your socks with our indoor formula, which acts as a repellent as well as a skin treatment. Since infected pets often wander throughout the home and relax on couches and easy chairs, wide area spray treatment is quite necessary. Spray carpets evenly, and mop hard surfaces with a Swiffer pad saturated with our indoor formula. Be sure to treat couches, easy chairs and dog beds. Continue treating carpets and dogs until pets show no signs of mange. A two-gallon purchase is optimal for most homes below 1,500 square feet.
- 2.) Demodex mites cause thinning of the hair or small bald spots around the eyes, muzzle and front legs. In advanced cases, bald patches can occur all over the body. Demodex mites can be transferred from one dog to another, but as long as the dog is healthy, no skin conditions should result. The same is true of demodex mites that are passed to humans through cuddling with dogs.
- 3.) Cheyletiella mites cause mild itching and a dusting of dandruff around the head and neck. These mites are most commonly associated with cats and dogs, but they can also live comfortably on humans for extended periods of time. For ALL TYPES of mites that cause mange, direct spray treatment of pets, humans, carpets and furniture is strongly advised. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Learn more about the symptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of mange mites.
COLLEMBOLA: Collembola are primitive organisms defined as hexapods, but they are often mistaken for mites. As abundant inhabitants of fertile soil, they can be found almost anywhere on earth. Until recent years, people who suffered from chronic biting and crawling sensations were considered to be victims of delusional parasitosis. Two independent studies suggest that springtails could be the culprit behind these mysterious sensations.
- Researchers at the Oklahoma State Department of Health took skin samples from 20 patients diagnosed with Delusional Parasitosis and found Collembola in 18 of the 20 patients.
- In an unrelated investigation conducted in Sweden, Dr. Frans Janssens and his colleague, Dr. Kenneth A. Christiansen, collected scores of reports regarding human springtail infestation from homeowners, doctors and pest control operators around the world.
Although the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not agree that victims of delusional parasitosis are infested by real organisms, most folks generally don’t want springtails multiplying under damp wood floors or jumping around basements. Should you find your home infested, our indoor spray formula can be applied directly to carpets, bedding and human skin. To kill insects deep within wood decks or wood siding, apply our termite treatment with a paintbrush. Our outdoor concentrate can be used to treat mulch and other landscaping materials that harbor large springtail populations.
Learn more about the symptoms, characteristics, treatment and prevention of springtail infestations.
What Makes Our Formula Powerful and Unique?
- Leaves a fresh cedar aroma to discourage insects from moving back into sprayed territory. (Residual effects are just as important as immediate effects, especially when it comes to treating carpets, bedding, cabinets and wood floors.)
- Much less expensive than purchasing essential oils packaged in tiny bottles. Tiny bottles are meant for skin, not for wide scale home treatment!
- Won’t stain carpets, bedding or furniture because it’s steam distilled in small batches to remove impurities.
- Dissolves eggs on contact, but not by proximity. In other words, eggs must come in contact with the formula, not just the vapors.
- Can be used on human skin and clothing as an organic insect repellent.
- Can be used directly on dogs and horses to treat fleas and mites.
- Is used by housing authorities across the country against bedbugs because these hearty parasites have an uncanny ability to develop resistance to chemical pesticides.