5 Signs of Mites: What to Look For

There are over 45,000 species of mites, and they can live in all sorts of habitats, including on plants, pets, and humans. While these pests are tiny, there are signs of mites you can look out for. Let’s look at the most common signs of mites so you know if you have a potential pest problem on your hands.

5 Common Signs of Mites 

Although there are tens of thousands of types of mites in the world, there are some that are more likely to be in your home, such as dust mites, most mites, clover mites, rodent and bird mites, and spider mites. Here are the most common signs you will notice if you have mites:

1. Allergic Reactions

If you or your pets are experiencing allergic reactions, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and respiratory issues, it can be a red flag that mites are in your home. Dust mites are among the most common house mites, and they feed on dead skin cells. They thrive in warm and humid climates, such as bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpet. 

Mold mites can also cause allergic reactions and feed on mold in your home. While the mites can cause issues themselves, having mold in your home can also cause health issues and property damage if neglected. Getting rid of mold mites involves removing the mold, so you should hire a professional for help.   

2. Skin Irritation

Many types of pests, such as fleas and bed bugs, can cause skin irritation, but some types of mites can, too. For instance, bird and rodent mite bites can cause extreme itching, bumps, rash, and swelling. Rodent mites live on rats, mice, and in their nests. If you have a mouse problem, it can also cause rodent mites. 

However, although the rodents are eradicated, the mites will migrate to find a new host. If you are experiencing skin irritation and can’t identify the cause of the pest, you may need to hire a professional pest specialist to help.  

3. Unhealthy or Dying Houseplants

If your houseplants look unhealthy despite your tending to their daily needs, they may be infested with spider mites. These pests can pose a real problem for your beloved plants because they suck the chlorophyll and plant sap from their leaves for food. 

Look out for stippling on the leaves, discoloration, and fine webbing beneath the leaves and on the stems. It’s vital to inspect and isolate new plants before bringing them into areas of your home that have other houseplants to prevent spider mites from spreading. 

4. Tiny Black Specks

Are you seeing tiny black specks moving around on window sills and walls? This is a tell-tale sign of clover mites. Although they are a reddish-brown color, they can appear as tiny black dots from a distance. When they are smashed, they leave behind a red stain on the surface. 

The good news is that these mites are plant feeders and do not bite people or pets. They are more of a nuisance than anything and are more likely to creep indoors during the fall and spring seasons.  

5. Abundance of Dust 

While dust doesn’t necessarily mean you have mites, it’s a strong indicator. Dust contains dead skin cells, pet dander, insect parts, clothing fibers, and dust mites. Since these mites prefer to feast on dead skin cells shed by humans and animals, it’s no wonder they are attracted to dusty houses. 

Frequently cleaning your home, reducing humidity, and using an air purifier can drastically reduce the amount of dust mites in your home.

How to Know When to Hire a Pro for Mites

If you have tried to get rid of mites yourself but can’t evict them from your home, you should  hire an exterminator near you for help. The pros have the knowledge to identify the type of mite you are battling and provide treatment methods that can eradicate them. You should consider hiring a pro for severe mite infestations that are causing health issues to you, your family, or your pets. 

Can I Get Rid of Mites Myself?

There are some DIY methods you can try to treat various types of mites. However, if the DIY methods aren’t cutting it, you may have to hire a pro to tackle persistent pests. 

• For spider mites, try using a natural product, such as neem oil, to kill them and prevent them from coming back. 

• Deep cleaning your home on a regular basis can prevent mites.

• Using a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels can help remove dust mites. 

• For clover mites, try spreading food-grade diatomaceous earth around hot spots, as this is a natural pest killer. 

How to Prevent Mites

The saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," proves true when it comes to pests. It’s better to take steps to keep mites out of your home rather than trying to get rid of an infestation. Here are a few things you can do to keep mites at bay:

• Seal cracks: Clover mites are tiny and crawl through gaps and cracks around window seals, frames, and other areas. Sealing up these spots with caulk can help prevent them from entering your home.

• Maintain your yard: Keeping your lawn freshly mowed and trimming back vegetation and shrubs can help prevent clover mites and ticks. They both prefer tall grass, so something as simple as mowing can reduce their population. 

• Clean regularly: Vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces can reduce dust and minimize the number of dust mites in your home. It’s also vital to wash linens and pet bedding frequently. 

• Utilize essential oils: Some types of essential oils can help deter mites from your house. Peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and clove oil are commonly used as a natural solution to repel various types of mites. Ensure the mixture you use is safe on the different surfaces and plants you spray. Always check the essential oil you are using to see if it is safe for your pets to be around. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Exterminator?

The cost of hiring an exterminator depends on factors such as the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, and your location. The average price of pest control can range from $50 to $500 and up. You will also need to ask the exterminator if they treat your type of mite infestation because the services depend on the company. It’s best to get quotes and information from at least three exterminating companies to find the right pro for the job.