About Mites

Mites are organisms belonging to the arachnida class and the acarina subclass, which they share with ticks. Mites are incredibly diverse invertebrates that live in a variety of settings, including water and soil; some live as parasites, feeding off their hosts. Scientists believe mites have been around for millions of years. Yet researchers still claim to know relatively little about mites, and believe they have only identified a small percentage of their varieties.

Types

• The mites that cause the greatest concern are those which are pests to plants and animals. The common spider mite is one that preys on plants. These mites get their name from their ability to spin silk onto their host plants. They are renowned for the damage they inflict on plants, including trees and shrubs. Other mites choose to prey upon animal hosts. One of these is the ear mite, which lives in the ear canal of animals including domestic cats and dogs. These mites cause problems in the ear (as well as itching in the animal), and can cause infection. Arguably the most well-known mite is one that causes concerns for humans: the house dust mite. This mite lives primarily in bedding and upholstered surfaces, where it feeds on dead skin cells. Humans often experience allergic reactions following contact with these organisms.

Size

• Most mites are either microscopic or nearly so. Due to their size, large numbers of mites often go unnoticed until they begin causing problems for plants, animals or humans. The larvae (immature form) of mites are occasionally visible, but only as small speck. These specks can come in a variety of colors depending on the type of mite.

Effects

• Mites can be extremely harmful when they live as parasites, as they can damage plants and cause diseases and painful conditions in animals and humans. The Sarcoptic mange mite burrows under the skin of its human host, resulting in a condition called "scabies" that must be treated with medication. Another organism called Dermanyssus gallinae--often referred to as the red mite or poultry mite--is known as a serious threat to chicken populations, including laying hens. These hard-to-eliminate mites can cause anemia in chickens and can be fatal to them, especially to young chicks.

Features

• Mites are ubiquitous creatures, found in all types of habitats--including seawater and deserts. Most experts contend that they generally resemble insects in form, rather than any other type of organism. They are arthropods, creatures with exoskeletons and jointed appendages. They tend to congregate, with thousands often living in relatively small settings like a twin-size bed.

Prevention/Solution

• Mites are often difficult to get rid of or control. Certain chemical agents can be employed to fight mite invasion in plants. In the case of mites that pose concerns to humans, the best methods of control are washing linens in hot water, lowering the humidity in the house and vacuuming frequently and thoroughly. Occasionally, professional pest-control specialists must be brought in when a mite problem becomes too severe.