| Mites are small arthropods with eight legs, more closely related to spiders than insects. Several mite species can be found in homes and offices. Some are associated with stored foods, such as grain, cheese, and flour mites. These are most commonly found in food storage areas with high humidities. Others, like bird and rodent mites, are found in buildings with bird or rodent infestations.
Bird and rodent mites, like the northern fowl mite, house mouse mite, and tropical rat mite, are among the most common culprits in difficult-to-diagnose arthropod infestations. These mites live in bird and rodent nests. Although these mites occasionally bite humans, they do not feed or reproduce off their natural hosts.
Hair follicle mites are harmless, though may be associated in some individuals with a type of acne. Follicle mites can be found in the skin of most adult humans.
Only two kinds of mites actually live and feed in human skin: the scabies mite and the hair follicle mite mentioned above. Of the two, only the scabies mite commonly causes bites or itching. Scabies must be diagnosed by a physician, usually via scrapings from the skin. This is the mite that causes problems. |
The most effective method for eliminating mite infestations is to control and remove any rodents (e.g., house mice, rats, squirrels, etc.) or birds (e.g., swallows, sparrows, starlings, pigeons) from the structure. Sometimes this is best accomplished with the help of a professional pest control company familiar with control of these pests. Once the hosts of these mites are eliminated, Elf Bed Bug Eliminator and KleenFree can be used to get rid of and control these pests. Insecticidal sprays are dangerous when used in living areas and are not recommended by ELFBrands. Children and pets can come into contact with them and become ill. Elf is safe to use and in fact can be bathed in to control Scabies which a lot of people confuse with mites. Please see our Mite treatment article here for control of all these mites.. |
