Mites In Grass That Bite

Mites in Grass that Bite – An Introduction

Mites in grass may cause redness, itching, and even blistering when they bite human skin. Unfortunately, mites are often difficult to identify as they are barely visible to the human eye.

Types of Mites in Grass

Mites commonly found in grass include:

- Chigger Mites – A parasitic species of mite.

- Grass Mites – A species of mite which feeds primarily on grasses.

- Grain Mites – A type of mite which infests grain crops.

- Mow Mites – A species that are commonly found in sterile turf grass.

- Spider Mites – A species of mite commonly found in gardens and lawns.

Symptoms of Mite Bites

Mite bites can cause the following symptoms:

- Redness

- Itching

- Blistering

- Swelling

- Rash

To reduce the chances of being bitten, it’s important to keep grass and other potential habitats for mites such as wood piles, compost piles, and leaf piles trimmed. Avoid lying down in grassy areas and allow shoes to dry out completely before wearing them again.

How to Treat Mite Bites

If you think you have been bitten by mites, it’s important to treat the bite promptly. Wash the area with soap and water and apply a topical steroid cream to reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce itching and inflammation as well. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact a healthcare practitioner.

Mites in grass, such as chiggers, grass mites, grain mites, mow mites and spider mites, are tiny but their bites can lead to uncomfortable and irritating symptoms. To reduce the chances of being bitten, it’s important to keep grass and other potential mite habitats trimmed. If you think you’ve been bitten, it’s important to wash the area with soap and water, apply topical steroid cream, and take antihistamines if needed.

Recently several homeowners have reported being bitten by mites while engaging in outdoor activities like walking in their backyard or mowing the lawn. To the untrained, these mites can be easily mistaken for insects such as grasshoppers or fleas.

Mites are not insects, but are related to spiders and ticks. They are typically found outdoors in locations like fields, forests, and lawns. Mites range in size from less than a millimeter to several millimeters and most commonly feed on small insects or decaying organic matter.

The most commonly encountered mite in yards is the northern fowl mite (Oconomyptus spp.). This mite prefers grassy areas to feed on small insects and bird droppings but may bite humans as well. The bite is typically painless however, some may feel a slight burning or prickly sensation similar to a mosquito bite.

The best way to control northern fowl mites is to reduce the insect population in the area. This includes cleaning up organic debris and avoiding the use of pesticides or other chemicals in the lawn. Moreover, it is important to keep birds from roosting in or near the yard as mites tend to feed on bird droppings and their presence will help keep the mite population in check.

Though these mites can cause mild skin irritation, it is important to remember that they are not dangerous and do not spread disease. If an infestation does occur, consult a pest control professional for advice on how to get rid of them.