Mites

Mites are a part of the arachnid family, more closely related to spiders and ticks than to insects. Most mites are so small they are barely visible to the human eye.

Mites can live in water, the soil, they can live on plants, animals and humans. There are over 48,000 species of mites. That’s a lot!

While there are many classifications and species, here are a few more commonly known mites.

Clover mites

There are a variety of insects and mites that live in our garden and one of these is the clover mite. They’re about the size of a period at the end of a sentence and are reddish-brown in color.

The clover mite mates during spring and summer months, when plants are at their most fertile and abundant. If there are any plants or grass near entryways to your house then they can infest your home as well. While they don’t live long, it is still a nuisance having them inside the home.

The best way to get rid of them from your house is to vacuum them up with a strong vacuum, this way, you avoid crushing them and leaving red stains all over your home. Indoor pesticides aren’t necessary since they will soon die from dehydration.

If you know these tiny mites are a regular visitor, you can prevent them from coming into your home by spraying insecticide around the foundation of the house and around entryways. You can also remove any grass, weeds, or potted plants up to 2 feet away any entryways to your home.

Spider Mites

Another common plant mite is the spider mite – they vary from green to dark red in color, and lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves. The spider mites name comes from their ability to spin a silky web much like spiders. They cause damage by draining the cells from the leaves, often leaving them looking paler than other leaves.

If spider mites have been on plant leaves for a while, the leaves will appear yellow on the affected areas. The easiest way to check for an infestation is to shake a leaf over a white sheet of paper. If you have spider mites, they will appear as tiny dots moving across the paper. You can also use a magnifying glass to check the leaves for infestation.

If you have smaller plants with low foliage, you can get rid of spider mites in any of the following ways:

Carefully spraying the affected plant with as strong a stream of water you think it can tolerate. Use the garden hose and spray in an upward direction as this will dislodge any eggs and adult mites from the bottom of the leaves.
Clip the affected leaves, put them in a bag and seal it tight before throwing in the garbage.
In a garden sprayer, add 4 cups water and 2 teaspoons liquid dish soap. Shake well before use.
In a garden sprayer, add 1 gallon water to 1 cup canola oil. Shake well before use.

For a heavier infestation, check with your local gardening store and ask about an insecticide called miticide. Be sure to thoroughly read the instructions before using it.

It may be hard to completely eradicate spider mites and it may take more than one solution to work, so don’t give up.

Dog and Cat Ear Mites

No one likes to see their dogs or cats in pain, but unfortunately it happens. Ear mites cause most pet ear infections, and are generally spread by casual contact with other pets. Symptoms can include black or brown waxy secretion coming from the ears, strong odor, debris blocking the ear canal that can look like ground coffee, and scratches or scabs near the ears.

Be sure to take your dog or cat to the vet to get a proper diagnosis, treatment and medication. The best way to keep mites out of your pet’s ears is to clean them regularly.

If one of your pets had ear mites recently, be sure to thoroughly clean their bedding and check the rest of your pets for any signs as ear mites are contagious!

Follicle Mites

Demodex folliculorum, more commonly known as follicle mites, are microscopic, long mites who live in the sebaceous glands on the skin. They’re mostly found on the nose, cheek, forehead, and chin.

These miniscule mites can be found on just about everyone! Adults with oily skin or those that use make up or heavy creams and lotions and don’t cleanse their skin properly can be more prone to a severe infestation. Alone, they’re harmless, but in large numbers follicle mites can cause symptoms similar to acne or rosacea. They can also be linked to inflammation of the eyelid due to overcrowding of a single eyelash follicle.

The best way to get rid of follicle mites is to visit your doctor. Doctors can prescribe a topical ointment meant specifically to get rid of them. Be sure to follow the doctor’s directions for the application. The best way to avoid an infestation is to wash your face with soap and water or with face wash if you prefer.

There are many different types of mites and for each one, there may be a different solution required to get rid of them.

If you are ever concerned about mites on yourself or your pets, be sure to seek medical attention right away to obtain a proper diagnosis.