Mite Control
The mighty mite. No creature as small has ever caused such large problems as mites have. Both checking in at a just around a millimeter in size, the mite is commonly referred to as a “no-see-um” bug due to being so miniscule. Two of the more common varieties in our neck of the woods are: the clover mite and bird mite. The clover mite is the less harmful of the two and is usually noticed due to their brilliant red color near windowsills or trees. The other species, the bird mite, is the misfit of the group, often causing major skin irritation or rashes with their bites. They’re referred to as bird mites because, go figure, they are most commonly found in bird’s nests or near areas where birds roost. We’ll break down the next sections for both types.
Why do I have clover mites? Clover mites are big fans of foliage and fertilizer. They’ll often end up in or on your house due to plant cover being too close to an exterior surface, allowing them to bridge the gap from their homes to yours. They will appear in great numbers in spring at the first break in cold weather to frustrate you.
Why do I have bird mites? Bird mites can end up in a home in one of two ways, you’ve either disturbed a bird nest or there are birds living in an area of your home. Keep in mind that bird mites won’t feed on people; they’re more or less testing you out to see if you’re a palatable meal. As they cannot live on humans, they will return to their bird hosts after sampling you. They do have a short lifespan as well, but they also reproduce rapidly, meaning that an infestation can spring up or explode in a matter of days.
How can I help mitigate mite problems? Ways to prevent issues will differ per mite. For clover mites, there are not many proven ways other than treating your yard/plant life that can effectively bust down these pesky buggers due to their small size and sheer numbers. Bird mites, however, are a bit easier to prevent with proper monitoring of your home. If you enjoying watching birds/have a feeder, try anchoring it out in the yard rather than attaching it to a window or windowsill. Another key factor in eliminating bird mite risk is to deter birds from nesting on the exterior of a home, like in the gutters or in a breezeway. Use of repellents or even something as simple as evicting the birds by shooing them from the property will also reduce the risk of re-infestation in the future.
I really hate these mites. Is there anything you can do to help me? Absolutely! Give us a call at Budget Pest Control, Inc. regarding our Mite Control and speak with our friendly trained office staff about the problems you are experiencing! We offer safe and effective Mite Control treatments to rid your home, whether interior or exterior, of clover, bird, or other types of mites. Our knowledgeable pest technicians can offer additional advice after performing an inspection, so remember; we’re available 7 days a week and can make a trip to your home in a jiffy! If you’re experiencing an issue, call us now!
Stats
Bird Mites:
Bird mites are small parasitic creatures that latch on to birds and other mammals and feed off their blood. Bird mites are too small to identify but are small arthropods that have similar characteristics to lice or fleas.
Clover Mites:
Clover mites are bigger than their Bird mite cousins, thus can be spotted and identified more easily. They are usually red or green in color and have a long pair of front legs. They are frequently encountered in sunny areas of the home and can move quickly when provoked.
Did You Know?
- Bird mites reproduce incredibly fast and need a fresh supply of mammal or avian blood in order to do so.
- Bird mites are often left over from abandoned bird nests in or near homes. Seeking warmth they will migrate into the home in the autumn or late summer.
- Mites are arthropod, which means they are related to ticks, crabs and lobsters.
- Unlike Bird mites, clover mites feed on only plant material and will not bite humans.
Myths & Facts
Myth: Mites are so small they can’t harm me.
Fact: Bird mites require blood to breed and create new generations. They often cause itchy bites that require medical attention.
Myth: Clover mites are only active in the summer.
Fact: Clover mites are usually active in the spring and fall months when they usually complete on generation cycle and go back into hibernation.
Signs of An Infestation
- Bird mites can be hard to spot with the naked eye. Therefore you have to rely on implicit signs to find an infestation
- Bird mites cause itchy red bites that are slow to heal
- These bites generally occur more frequently at night
- Bird mite bites generally have the same signs as scabies and create a crawling sensation on your skin.
- Clover Mites are more easily spotted and can be seen in warm windowsills of homes during warm spells in the spring and autumn.
