How to Identify Mites
Mites are tiny creatures (less than a millimeter long) that look somewhat like insects. However, they occupy the Arachnida class of the Arthropod phylum along with spiders and ticks. Most mite species are harmless and do not come into regular contact with people. However, there are a few species that cause negative reactions in humans. Two common troublemakers are dust mites and scabies mites. Many people are allergic to the fecal matter produced by dust mites. Scabies mites create a distinctive rash when they tunnel into the skin to lay their eggs. These arthropods are difficult to detect with the naked eye. Positive mite identification requires the use of a microscope.Things You'll Need
- Glass or plastic microscope slide Eyedropper Tap water or filtered water Staining dye (such as methylene blue) Cover slip Compound microscope Arthropod identification guide or online resource
Instructions
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How to Identify Mites
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Use the slide to collect a sample by gently scraping the area where you suspect mites are present. For dust mites, the most likely location is in your bedding. With scabies, the mites will be under your skin.
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2
Fill the eyedropper partway with water. Add a single drop of water to the slide gently so it does not flush your sample off the surface.
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3
Empty the water from the eyedropper. Then use it to add a small drop of dye to the water on the slide.
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4
Hold the cover slip by its edges at a 45-degree angle to the slide. Place the bottom edge of the slip close to the where the specimen is on the slide. Lower it slowly so that it flattens the drop of water into a thin film.
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Place the slide under the microscope. Adjust the focus so that the contents of the slide are clearly visible. You may need to move the slide around to locate the mite specimens.
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6
Identify the dust mites or scabies mites by matching them to the illustrations or photographs in the guide. Mites generally have a round or oval body, piercing mouth parts and eight legs.
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