Types and species of mites that can irritate, bite or infest humans:
Planet Earth is home to more than 48,000 species of mites. A very limited number of them tend to bite or infest humans, live within skin, transmit disease or breed within homes. For a quick look at the mites that can bother people and the level of damage they can do, see the following list.
Scabies Mites
These mites burrow under human skin to complete their life cycle and cause chronic problems that present a challenge to physicians. Unlike other mites that irritate humans, scabies are mostly contracted through skin-to-skin contact, but indirect transfer from garments or bedclothes can occur. Since scabies can survive up to 36 hours without a human host, direct treatment of bedding is a good idea for victims who share sleeping quarters with others. Mite victims who don’t respond to mainstream chemical treatments may benefit greatly from our cedar oil formulation. Unlike other essential oils sold for beauty or pest control purposes, our product is filtered and purified to the highest degree so that it won’t stain carpets, furniture or bedding. It’s safe for direct application to humans and light enough to penetrate a mite’s breathing pores. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of cedar oil triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Bird Mites
These mites bite along the skin’s surface and generally don’t remain long because they can't get proper nutrition from human blood. However, there are documented cases in which bird mites have lived on victims for extended periods of time. In a now famous ABC News report, a long Island woman was put in a quarantined hospital room after emergency workers came to her home and found her skin crawling with nearly invisible parasites that doctors believed to be bird mites. Even when bird mites don't cling for long, an infestation can feel like an eternity when new mites in a victim’s surroundings keep finding their way back to humans. Homes can become infested when abandoned bird nests remain lodged into chimneys, attics, gutters or window mounted air conditioning units. Nest removal and aggressive home treatment is vital because bird mites often enter homes by the thousands. Certain species can live up to nine months without a host and cause problems long after the initial infestation is thought to be resolved. For this reason, fumigation with our dry fog machine is highly recommended to penetrate unseen cracks and crevices within the home. It’s also wise to treat skin and bedding directly with our indoor spray formula. Parasitic arthropods absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores and die. For cases where birds and mites have infiltrated the entire property, it is essential to treat the perimeter of the home with our outdoor concentrate. (One gallon of our outdoor concentrate makes 32 gallons of solution.)
Rodent Mites
These mites can linger in homes after rodents are exterminated. They don't mind seeking human hosts when rats and mice aren't available. They tend to drop off human skin after feeding. They may hide near places where humans rest or congregate near heat sources such as stoves and pipes. Unlike other mites that bite humans, rodent mites possess the ability to transfer many diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rats and rat mites spread over 35 diseases worldwide. Infestations cannot be resolved without the extermination of live rodents and hygienic disposal of dead rodents. Careful spray treatment of targeted areas is a must. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores and die. In cases where rodents are prevalent outdoors, it is essential to treat the perimeter of the home with our outdoor concentrate. (One gallon of our outdoor concentrate makes 32 gallons of solution.) Due to their miniscule size, rodent mites can easily enter homes along pipeline channels, dryer vent openings and cracks along building foundations.
Mange Mites
Three distinct types of mites may cause mange in dogs:
1.) Sarcoptic mange mites are the same type of mites that cause scabies in humans. They are known for burrowing into the skin and causing allergic reactions and intense itching. In dogs, they can cause widespread hair loss and oozing sores. A dog with sarcoptic mange can easily pass the parasite infestation to humans. In humans, scabies mites cause intense itching and red skin bumps similar to bug bites. The scabies infection is often chronic and resistant to traditional chemical treatments.
2.) Demodex mites cause thinning of the hair or small bald spots around the eyes, muzzle and front legs. In advanced cases, bald patches can occur all over the body. Demodex mites can be transferred from one dog to another, but as long as the dog is healthy, no skin conditions should result. The same is true of demodex mites that are passed to humans through cuddling with dogs. (Note that the demodex mite connected to canines is different from the human demodex mite described below.
3.) Cheyletiella mites cause mild itching and a dusting of dandruff around the head and neck. These mites are most commonly associated with cats, dogs and rabbits, but they can also live comfortably on humans for extended periods of time. For ALL TYPES of mites that cause mange, direct spray treatment of dogs, humans, carpets and furniture is strongly advised. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores and die. For multiple pet homes where animals often roam outside, outdoor treatment is highly recommended so that pets don't keep picking up parasites to bring indoors. A good soak with our outdoor concentrate will help destroy mite populations in the grass and break the egg layer cycle. One gallon makes 32 gallons of solution.
Human Demodex Mites
These microscopic mites are extremely common, often beneficial and usually harmless. Only when they multiply out of control can they cause or aggravate conditions such as acne, rosacea, hair thinning and hair loss. Dietary factors can cause demodex mite populations to rise dramatically, as these mites feed upon yeast in the skin. To complicate matters, yeast feeds upon sugar, creating a vicious cycle. For this reason, individuals who suffer from acne and various skin conditions often report drastic improvement after removing sugar and yeast from their diets. Individuals with large pores or oily skin may require topical treatments in addition to dietary changes. Home treatment is not necessary to eradicate the human demodex mite, as it can only live a couple days outside the body. However, it's a good idea to sterilize makeup utensils and change pillow cases frequently.
House Dust Mites
Dust mites do not bite people. They feed on human skin flakes that collect in dust on beds, couches and carpets. Dust mites produce secretions that can cause itchy red bumps, nasal irritation and a variety of respiratory problems, including asthma. They can survive on human bedding for four to six weeks without a host. A typical mattress can have 100,000 to one million mites inside. For those who suffer from chronic or severe allergies, frequent vacuuming may not be enough. Mites and their microscopic waste materials can be pulled into ventilation systems and recycled back into the environment. Spray treatment of mattresses and fog treatment of ventilation systems is advised. Carpets should also be treated with a direct mist of our indoor formula. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of cedar oil triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores and die.
Chiggers
Chigger mites cannot infest homes or live within human skin. Only in their larval stage do they attach to humans. They tend to drop off within several hours. To control advanced chigger populations, spray lawns and shrubs with our organic outdoor concentrate. To keep chiggers from landing on you, mist your skin and clothing with our indoor formula. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
Straw Itch Mites
These mites tend to infest hay, pine straw and other landscaping materials. They also love to feed upon the bodily fluids of insects that infest stored food. Although they don’t stay on humans long, their bites can cause much agony. They are known to attack farm workers in large numbers. Outdoor infestations are best resolved by soaking landscaping materials with an organic pesticide concentrate. Indoor infestations are best resolved through the eradication of host insects such as cockroaches, flour moths and grain beetles. Direct spray treatment of cabinets and pantries with our organic indoor formula is strongly advised. The aroma of our indoor formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores and die. For advanced infestations in barns or food warehouses, fumigation with our dry fog machine is highly recommended to penetrate unseen cracks and crevices. For outdoor infestations, treat mulch, straw and other landscaping materials with our outdoor concentrate. For best results, focus on areas that touch the perimeter of your home.
Spider Mites
These plant dwellers rarely bite humans or animals, but they can cause significant damage to plant and tree life. Indoor plant enthusiasts may find them within the home, and those who handle plants directly may get them on their skin. Large scale indoor treatment is not necessary because spider mites that are found roaming away from plants will soon die. Plants, crops and gardens may be treated with our outdoor concentrate to prevent widespread damage. The aroma of our cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores and die. The highly fragrant aroma prevents a wide range of crop pests from landing on treated plants.
Clover Mites
Clover mites do not bite people or animals or cause structural damage. They are mainly nuisance pests that invade homes in unbelievable numbers, especially in the spring. When smashed, their bodily fluids produce red stains on carpets and walls. Spray treatment of wood siding and specific indoor surfaces is advised. For chronic cases where clover mites tend to invade year after year, fumigation with our dry fog machine is highly recommended to penetrate unseen cracks and crevices. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores and die. In outdoor environments, the highly fragrant aroma of our outdoor concentrate prevents a wide range of crop pests from landing on treated plants.