The Dangers of Mites

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Mite

In Texas, we hear a lot about ticks and the diseases they can cause. However, mites are just as troublesome but less well-known, close cousins of the tick that can infect humans and pets. There are several types of mites that can pose a threat to your health and your household. Here’s a look at three of them.

The Rat Mite

This nasty critter (Ornithonyssus Bacoti) is best known for infecting rodents but will also attack humans and domestic animals. Like vampires, they drink blood to survive and use their fangs to attack their victims. You may think you're safe from these creatures because your property is free of rats and mice. However, the most hygienic areas are often the ones where rat mites are most active. When they can't find a rodent body to attach themselves to, they look for other hosts to feed from. Their bites can cause itching, bleeding, and severe skin reactions in humans, such as itching, rashes, and inflammation.

The Spiny Rat Mite

This mite is smaller than the rat mite and has a spiny appearance. It tends to make its home in cupboards, closets, and other areas that are difficult to get into. It feeds on rodents and can also live on humans if it cannot find its preferred food source.

Topical Rate Mite

This mite (Ornithonyssus bursa) is a serious pest that can infest homes in the tropics and subtropics, including here in greater Houston. It also lives in cracks and crevices, and Like the Spiny Rat Mite, it feeds on both humans and rodents.

The Fowl Mite

These creatures are especially troublesome during spring and summer. They spread from birds and into human homes. They move and attack in mass swarms, sometimes causing hundreds of painful bites on a single person.

The Scabies Mite

These creatures are found in every corner of the globe, including the Lone Star State. They burrow into human skin, causing severe itching, disfiguring rashes, and other health problems. Scabies are extremely contagious and can spread virtually overnight through both residential and commercial buildings. The disease requires medical treatment and may take months to clear up.

Can You Control Mites?

The answer to this question is, “Yes, to a degree.” Keeping your home as clean as possible can certainly help. Washing clothing in hot water, disposing of household waste promptly, and vacuuming your carpet daily can all minimize the risk of infestation.

However, the best way to deal with harmful mites is to trust the job to a professional extermination service like Envirocon. Our technicians have the training and equipment needed to eliminate these creatures from your home, keeping you and your loved ones safe from the health problems they cause. Call us today to find out more. We provide one-time and preventive home pest control in Houston and surrounding areas.

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