There are a number of different types of mites including:
- Flour mites
- Poultry mites
- Clover mites
- Red Spider mites
- House dust mites
More information on how to deal with them is below.
Flour mites
This species of mite is generally introduced into the home in contaminated foodstuffs such as flour, rice, cereals, pet foods and dried fruit. They can also be found on new damp plaster.
Control
The infested items should be identified and disposed of. Where possible the humidity of the infested area should be reduced by drying it out (if damp plaster is the main problem then a fan heater will have the desired affect).
Insecticides can also be applied. It is advisable to purchase a craw ling insect spray.
Remove food from your kitchen cupboards and put them into airtight containers. The cupboards can be sprayed but must be dry to the touch before any food is returned and this should be in airtight containers so there is no direct contact between food and cupboard surfaces. Also spray any other areas where the mites have been sighted.
Poultry mites
These mites, as the name suggests, are closely associated with birds. Any infestation is therefore likely to stem from birds nesting in the loft, eaves, window ledges or balconies. They can, but rarely do, bite.
Control
Control can be achieved by removing the bird’s nests, and cleaning up the associated debris. Where possible, some proofing measures should be taken to prevent the birds from returning.
Clover mites
These are an outdoor species generally living on plants and trees. As the summer breeding season progresses, the outside population of Clover mites increases considerably. With the onset of the cooler autumn weather, this frequently results in a mass migration into buildings in search of hibernation places. Large numbers therefore can be found in the home after entering through cracks in window frames, air vents etc.
Although they are harmless to humans and animals and cannot damage textiles or foodstuffs, their nuisance value can be considerable and people sometimes object to large numbers of these tiny dark red mites on their furniture, window sills and walls.
Control
Control can be achieved firstly by cutting back any vegetation outside near to the infestation areas or access points, i.e. windows & air bricks. An insecticidal spray can be applied indoors to infested surfaces and powder can be puffed into any air vents, cracks and crevices outside.
Red Spider mites
These are an outdoor species generally living on plants and trees. As the summer breeding season progresses, the outside population of mites increases considerably. With the onset of the cooler autumn weather, this frequently results in a mass migration into buildings in search of hibernation places. Large numbers therefore can be found in the home after entering through cracks in window frames, air vents etc.
Although they are harmless to humans and animals and cannot damage textiles or foodstuffs, their nuisance value can be considerable and people sometimes object to large numbers of these tiny dark red mites on their furniture, window sills and walls.
Control
Control can be achieved firstly by cutting back any vegetation outside near to the infestation areas or access points like windows and air bricks. An insecticidal spray can be applied indoors to infested surfaces and powder can be puffed into any air vents, cracks and crevices outside.
House dust mites
The main problem associated with this species is one of an allergic reaction. Therefore it is considered a medical rather than a pest control problem.
Advice regarding control should be sought from your doctor.
