What are itch mites? Itch mites are microscopic insect-like creatures that cannot be seen by the naked eye. There are several different kinds of itch mites in the United States. One type, the oak leaf gall mite, is believed to be responsible for outbreaks of human bites in 2004 in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas. The mite feeds on the larvae of a small fly (midge) which forms a brown and crusty shell on the edge of an oak leaf (known as a gall). Can people be bitten by itch mites? Yes. Although the oak leaf gall mite feeds on midge larvae, they can accidentally bite people when looking for food. Mites usually need about four hours on your body before they bite. Once the mite’s regular food source is gone from the leaves, usually in late summer, the mites drop from the trees. Oak leaf gall mites are so small that they can float on the wind, and pass through window or door screens and loosely-woven clothing. How will I know if I have been bitten? You may develop red welts that look like chigger bites on your neck, face, arms and upper body. These bites are not usually on legs where chigger bites may be found. The itch mite welts form into a pimple-like lesion after about 12 hours. The bites are very itchy and can be present for up to two weeks. What should I do if I think I’ve been bitten? The most important thing is not to scratch the bites, since scratching can lead to an infection. Try over-the-counter topical anti-itch creams and oral anti-histamines to control itching. If the itching is intense, or you develop a skin infection, you should contact your health care provider.
Can I use DEET or other insect repellent? Since the mites only bite people when they accidentally fall on them, DEET and other insect repellents may not work. However, to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus, you should use insect repellents with DEET. Can itch mites live in my home? No, in order to survive, itch mites need to feed on insect larvae, which are usually found on the inside of tree leaves. If the mites come from oak trees, should the trees be sprayed or removed? No. Since mites feed on insect larvae that are inside the edge of leaves, chemical sprays are not effective. Removal of trees is not necessary because these mites are not likely to be a problem every year.
Both photos courtesy of University of Nebraska Entomology Department. References Pyemotes Itch Mites - University of Nebraska–Lincoln They're Back – Itch Mites on the Increase - University of Nebraska–Lincoln Outbreak of Pruritic Rashes Associated with Mites --- Kansas, 2004 - CDC For more information, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, 525 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62761, 217-782-5830, TTY (hearing-impaired use only) 800-547-0466. |
Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |