How to Get Rid of Mites On Humans

This page is an expert guide on getting rid of mites in your home using the products and methods suggested by our experienced pest control specialists. Follow this guide and use the recommended products and we guarantee you will be successful in eliminating mite invasions.

If you are feeling itchy, it can be difficult to point out the cause of the itch, especially if they are tiny and hard to see--like mites. Mites are microscopic parasites that are widespread throughout the world and come in a variety of forms. While some species of mites are harmless to humans other species can target humans and are very irritating to deal with.

There are mites like bird mites and rodent mites that like to feast on the blood of poultry and mice, dust mites which infest furniture and cause allergies, and scabies which cause intense itching and irritation on humans, among other mites. No matter what mite you are dealing with, it is important to act quickly to eliminate or drastically reduce their presence.

Identification

Before you proceed with a treatment program, you need to make sure that the pest you are dealing with are mites. Misidentification can lead to using the wrong treatment methods which can be a waste of time and money.

• Mite is a catch-all term to describe tiny insect-like organisms that usually cannot be seen by the naked eye. They are parasitic insects that are closely related to ticks and some species like the bird mite and chiggers share similar tendencies of finding an animal host and sucking on its blood.
• Mites go through four phases of development: from egg, to larva, to egg and finally, and adult. During the larva stage they have six legs but then in the nymph and adult stage they have eight legs.
• Mites come in various forms and usually attack animals but dust mites can eat human flakes of our skin. Other mites like Mange, Demodex and scabies may also host on humans and can lay eggs on our skin and cause irritation and several other kinds of symptoms to arise.
• Other common mites are chiggers, ear mites and spider mites. Depending on the type of mite you are dealing with, a different method of extermination is required which may or may not include pesticides.

Inspection

Before you can treat mites, you will first need to investigate which mite is causing the problem since there are so many different kinds and unfortunately, most are practically invisible because of how small they are. Different mites have different habits so depending on signs around the homes or symptoms you or your pets are experiencing, you may be able to get a general idea of what mite is present.

Where To Look 

Indoors, you should inspect your carpeting, furniture and bedding. Clover mites are known to invade homes and lawns. Dust mites are nearly always in homes and structures and will harbor furniture, pillows and mattresses, feeding on human dander and dead skin.

For other mites like itch mites and scabies, you should look on your own body and observe any symptoms like skin irritation, rashes and bite marks. If you're experiencing allergies around your furniture and sleep area, this could be a sign of dust mites.

What To Look For

Mites are microscopic so it will be hard to look for mites themselves but you can observe signs of possible mite activity by noting humidity inside your home since mites need moisture, checking your ventilation and observing if there is an accumulation of a lot of dust in the home.

Clover mites can often be smashed by us when they are crawling over carpet and can leave a red stain. Itch mites, cannot be seen or felt when they bite but will leave itchy red marks that resemble a skin rash, so observe if you've been having irritated skin often.

Treatment

For most mite infestations, applying pesticides is not necessary and the focus should be more on sanitation, heat treatment and vacuuming. However, we do recommend applying Flex 10-10 Insecticide around your home to kill any lingering mites after cleanup .

Step 1: Declutter, Dust and Vacuum

The most important thing you can do to reduce clutter and clean up in and around the home. Mites of all kinds can be found virtually anywhere so you should do your best to declutter and any unnecessary items you have in your home or storage.

After that, you should vacuum your home thoroughly and do so regularly. Vacuum the carpet, curtains and furniture. Use a powerful vacuum because dust mites, in particular, can burrow into furniture and cling to fabrics and you want to make sure they get sucked up. Make sure your home is dust-free as possible and use a damp cloth or rag to wipe down shelves, and other items that collect dust in the home.

Step 2: Heat Treatment and Washing

Steam cleaning or washing items in hot water is a sure-fire way to kill and eliminate mites of all types. Use a steam cleaner to heat treat your carpeting, furniture and bedding. Wash the bed spreads and your clothing and other such fabrics in hot water and dry clean them at a high temperature. If mites are on you, take a hot shower with some medicated shampoo. Do this regularly if you have been having mite issues and for general cleanliness because this will dramatically reduce or eliminate mites.

Step 3: Apply Flex 10-10

Flex 10-10 is permethrin and PBO based insecticide concentrate labeled to kill mites and can be safely used indoors on upholstered furniture and carpeting. First determine how much product you will need by measuring the square footage of the areas you want to treat. Flex 10-10 should be applied at 3.2 fl. oz. in a gallon of water to treat 1,000 sq. ft.

Once you have calculated the square footage, mix the appropriate amount of Flex 10-10 in a pump sprayer with water and shake the spray tank. Make sure to wear PPE before mixing and applying (gloves, long-sleeved clothing, protective eyewear etc.)

Apply to a small test area first to make sure chemical doesn't stain then apply an even coating of the Flex 10-10  to any suspected areas and surfaces indoors (furniture, mattresses, curtains, carpeting, shelves etc.) to kill lingering mites after you have done a thorough clean up.

You can also apply as a barrier treatment around your home to keep clover mites away. You should wait for the product to dry before re-entering the treated area.

Prevention

Once you have conducted a detailed cleanup and sprayed Flex 10-10 to eliminate mites, keep mites away with preventative measures:

• Seal cracks and crevices around your home to eliminate points of entry for chiggers and clover mites and take a shower after you have been outside for long periods of time.
• Making sanitation (like regular vacuuming, dusting, washing clothing and fabrics and regular showering) a priority will keep mites away.
• Spraying a monthly treatment of Flex 10-10 can also help with continued mite prevention.

Key Takeaways

What are Mites?

• Mites are parasitic insects that can infest homes and can irritate humans with allergies and itchy bites depending on the species.
• There are many different types of mites such as dust mites, clover mites, bird mites, chiggers and more. 
• Microscopic mites exist on the bodies of all humans but they only become a problem when there is an abundance of them.

How To Get Rid of Mites

• Conduct a detailed inspection in your home and observe your own symptoms (irritated skin, allergies, etc.) to get an idea of what mite problem you have.
• You can eliminate mites infestations with routine vacuuming, washing, dusting and spraying Flex 10-10 in problem areas.

Preventing Mite Reinfestation

• You can present outbreaks of mites with routine cleaning of your home and body, sealing entry points around the home as much as possible and spraying followup treatments of Flex 10-10 at least once a month.