How to Get Rid of Mites: 5 DIY Methods

Mites are tiny arachnids that belong to the same family as spiders, scorpions, and ticks, but they are difficult to spot. If you find an infestation of these pests in your home, it’s essential to learn how to get rid of mites quickly.

You don’t want any type of mite as a roommate because they can infest plants, pets, and even cause health issues such as allergies. Learn why these mites are taking up residence in your house, how to get rid of them, and ways to prevent them.

Why Do I Have Mites in My Home?

Mites are very common, but there are many reasons why the population of mites is exploding in your house. There are many different types of mites, so the reasons can vary depending on which species you’re dealing with. 

Mites are attracted to habitats that include any of the following:

• Plants

• Pets

• Warmth and humidity

• Dust

• Clutter

Signs You Have Mites

Although mites can be difficult to see, they provide signs of their presence. Look out for various signs of different types of mites so you can take action immediately to evict them from your home. Here are some of the most common signs of mites:

• Dust accumulation: Where there is an abundance of dust, there are mites. If you notice dust bunnies in areas of your home or build up on various surfaces, mites could be there, too. 

• Allergic reactions or itchy skin: Some species of mites can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. If anyone in your home, including your pets, seems to be having unexplained respiratory issues, rashes, or skin irritations, it could be a sign of mites. 

• Unhealthy plants: Various pests, such as spider mites, can feed on your plants and can cause them to be in poor health and even kill them. Look for webbing, discoloration, and stippling on leaves. You should also check for what looks like moving dots on the underside of leaves for mites.  

How to Get Rid of Mites: 5 Top Ways

Now that you know why mites are hiding in your home, you need to know what to do to get rid of them. Use a combination of these DIY methods before hiring a pest control company.

Deep Clean Your Home

It may surprise you how effective a deep cleaning can be in combating mites and other pests. A deep cleaning consists of scrubbing hard-to-reach spots and areas that are often overlooked, such as dusting ceiling fans, wiping down baseboards, and vacuuming beneath furniture and appliances. 

You should also wash linens, pet bedding, and pillows to remove mites. Steam cleaning carpets and furniture is another sure way to kill mites. A home free of dust, food remnants, and other items removes food sources and even places for them to take shelter, such as clutter. 

Utilize Essential Oils

You can try a natural DIY approach by using various essential oils to eliminate mites. The type of oils required depends on the species of mites and where you plan on using them. For instance, some oils may not be suitable to use on plants, while others are plant-safe. 

Tea tree oil, clove oil, and eucalyptus oil are some top choices for destroying or deterring mites. Mix a few drops of the essential oil of choice with water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Make sure to perform a test spot first so as not to damage plants or ruin any bedding or surface. 

Apply Diatomaceous Earth to Hot Spots

Diatomaceous earth is another natural method for eliminating mites. It is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, which have silica-based cell walls. These fossils are sharp, and they wear down the skin of the pest's exoskeleton as they walk over the dust. The oil of the bugs dries up, and the combination causes the mites to wither up and die. 

If you decide to try this method, you need to ensure you get the food-grade, which is a safer option of pest control. However, you should still keep pets away from it and wear protective gear when you apply it to areas around your house. You can apply a thin layer to the outside of your carpets, let it sit undisturbed for a day, and then vacuum it up. Remember to keep pets and children away from the powder. 

Try a Natural Insecticide Spray

If spider mites are sucking the life out of your houseplants, you can use a natural insecticide spray, such as neem oil, to help get rid of them. Neem oil is made from the seeds of the Neem tree and can be very effective against mites and pests. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully because too much can actually burn the plant's leaves. 

It can be applied as a spray or mixed and watered into the soil. However, neem should be avoided around flowering plants and during seasons when butterflies and bees are more active. Avoid using it on outdoor plants, as it can harm pollinators. 

Remove Moisture with a Dehumidifier

Dust mites thrive in high humidity because they need moisture from the air to survive. Lowering humidity levels below 50% can disrupt their life cycle and make the environment uninhabitable. Using a dehumidifier or multiple ones throughout your home will remove excess moisture from the air. 

Make sure to purchase the correct sized unit for the room you are using it for. You will need to program the humility level or dryness setting to 50% or lower to reduce enough moisture from the air.

How to Prevent Mites

After you tackle your mite problem, take measures to keep them from coming back. As with any pest, it’s better to prevent them from taking shelter in your home rather than having to deal with getting them out. 

Implement these key tips to make your home less attractive to mites:

Declutter your home: Clutter is a sanctuary for mites and provides them with food sources, shelter, and humidity. Declutter your house of unnecessary items, especially things like paper and cardboard.  

Clean frequently: Regularly cleaning your home will significantly help to prevent mites from returning. You should dust, vacuum, and wash linens and pet bedding every week to keep mites away and your home clean.

Utilize air purifiers and dehumidifiers: Using an air purifier can help reduce dust mites in your house. Remember that reducing moisture with dehumidifiers can get rid of mites and create an inhabitable climate for them. 

Isolate new houseplants: Spider mites can quickly spread to other plants brought indoors. Inspect for signs of mites and isolate the plant in a location away from other plants to prevent infestation. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You should be able to handle a minor mite problem with these DIY methods, but you may need to hire an exterminator near you if the problem persists. The amount it costs to hire a pro depends on the type of pests, size of infestation, and location. The average cost for pest control is around $170, but it can range from $50 to $500.

It’s worth the cost to hire a pest control professional if the mites are causing health issues for you and your pets, such as skin irritations and allergies.