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Mites: the Invisible Invaders Hiding in Plain Sight
Mites are tiny, often microscopic creatures that can infest everything from homes and plants to pets and people. These eight-legged arthropods belong to the arachnid family, making them relatives of spiders and ticks, but they’re far smaller—often invisible to the naked eye. What makes them so problematic is how easily they spread and how hard they are to detect until irritation, damage, or infestation becomes obvious.
Mites thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on a wide variety of sources: plant sap, animal skin cells, stored food products, and even fabrics. Different types of mites pose different problems. Dust mites are a nightmare for allergy sufferers, while spider mites destroy plants and clover mites invade homes in droves. Regardless of the species, they multiply quickly and tend to hide in cracks, fibers, or under leaves. You might not even realize they’re there until something seems “off.” Whether it’s itchy skin, dying plants, or unexplained bites, mites make their presence known after they’ve already settled in. Once they’re established, getting rid of them takes precision—and fast action.
Types of Mites You Should Know
Dust Mites
Spider Mites
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Scabies Mites: These mites burrow into human skin, causing an itchy rash known as scabies.
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Chiggers: These mites are found in grassy or wooded areas. They bite the skin, causing intense itching and red spots.
Types of Mites You Should Know
Mites come in different types, and each type has unique characteristics. The most common mites include:
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Dust Mites: These tiny creatures are found in household dust and thrive in warm, humid environments. They mainly feed on dead skin flakes.
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Spider Mites: Often found on plants, these pests can cause damage by sucking out the plant juices, leading to yellowing and wilting leaves.
Scabies Mites
Chiggers
How Mites Reproduce
Mites reproduce quickly and can spread rapidly. Most mites lay eggs, and from these eggs, tiny larvae hatch. These larvae grow into nymphs, which mature into adult mites. The lifecycle varies by species, but in general, mites reproduce in large numbers. Some species can complete their entire life cycle in a matter of weeks! This fast reproduction rate means that once mites settle in a home, farm, or on animals, they can multiply rapidly and cause problems if not controlled.
Mites as Pests in Homes
Mites are often unwanted guests in our homes, especially dust mites. These tiny creatures live in mattresses, bedding, and carpets, feeding on human skin flakes. While they don't bite, they are a leading cause of indoor allergies. Dust mite problems are common in humid or poorly ventilated homes. Keeping your home clean by vacuuming, washing bedding, and using air purifiers can reduce their presence. Although most mites in homes are harmless, controlling them is important for maintaining good indoor air quality.
How to Get Rid of and Prevent Mites:
If you think mites have invaded your home, plants, or workspace—the best thing to do is contact a professional pest control company immediately. While there’s no shortage of DIY advice online, most mites are resistant to over-the-counter treatments, and waiting too long only gives them more time to spread. Whether you’re dealing with dust mites in your mattress, spider mites on your plants, or biting mites from an unknown source, swift professional intervention is the safest and most effective solution. Call or text us today if you suspect mites are causing problems—we’re ready to help eliminate the issue at its source. Click below to learn more about our mite treatments.