Do you fear microscopic creatures biting and making you feel itchy or giving you diseases? You’re not alone, and mites could be the culprit of unexplained bites or itchiness.
Mites are arthropods that live almost everywhere humans inhabit. While some mites are harmless and benefit the environment, others might bite and irritate you. Mite bites on humans cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling, with severity depending on the mite type. Some common mites that bite humans are chiggers, scabies, dust mites, and bird mites. Treatment for mite bites depends on the type of mite and can range from simple home remedies to medical attention.
While mites are scary, learning more about them can help you find a plan to treat and prevent them. Keep reading for everything you need to know about these microscopic parasites.
Please check out my two related articles “Ant Bites On Humans – A Complete Guide” and “What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?“
What Are Mites?
Mites are tiny arthropods of the class Arachnida, which includes spiders and scorpions. They’re incredibly diverse and can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from soil and water to plants and animal bodies.
Mites can be parasitic or self-sustaining and often play critical roles in ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, some mites harm humans, animals, and plants by transmitting diseases, triggering allergies, or damaging cells.
Interestingly, mites have unique morphological features, such as the suction cups on the legs of spider mites(which don’t bite humans), while others have complex social behaviors.
What Do Mite Bites Look Like On Humans?
Mite bites on humans can look different depending on which type is responsible. Common symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling around the affected area.
Since mites are almost invisible, they often appear out of nowhere. If you experience the previously mentioned symptoms but haven’t seen insects, mites could be the culprit.
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms beyond mild itching or redness. A healthcare professional can diagnose and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and prevent further complications.
What Kind Of Mites Are Biting Me?
Knowing which mites are biting you helps you treat the symptoms and get rid of parasites. The five most common types you might run into are:
| Mite Type | Vector/Habitat | Bite Identification | Bite Treatment | See a Doctor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scabies Mites | Human skin | Intense itching, rash, burrows | Prescription topical creams or oral medications | Yes, for severe cases or if symptoms persist |
| Chiggers | Tall grass or weeds, outdoor environments | Red, itchy bumps, blisters, hives | Over-the-counter topical creams or oral antihistamines | No, unless signs of infection or severe allergic reaction |
| Dust Mites | Indoor environments, bedding, furniture | Nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, eczema flare-ups | Allergen avoidance, anti-allergy bedding, air purifiers, medications | No, unless symptoms persist despite treatment or severe allergic reaction |
| Itch Mites | Animal nests, hay, straw, prairie grasses | Intense itching, rash, papules, pustules | Prescription topical creams or oral medications | Yes, for severe cases or if symptoms persist |
| Bird Mites | Bird nests, poultry houses, roofs, eaves | Intense itching, rash, papules, pustules | Prescription topical creams or oral medications | Yes, for severe cases or if symptoms persist |
Keep reading for a more in-depth look at the different mites and how to treat their bites!
Chigger Bites
Chiggers are tiny, red-colored mites typically found in grassy, wooded areas and are most abundant during hot months. They’re prevalent in humid areas and are commonly found in the southeastern United States.
Chigger bites often appear as small, red bumps on the skin accompanied by severe itching. The irritation is caused by larvae attaching themselves to the skin and injecting saliva that breaks down skin cells and allows them to feed on the exposed tissue.
You might not notice bites for several hours after contacting chiggers. They can be particularly uncomfortable for several days after the initial bite.
Chigger Bites Treatments
Treat chigger bites by washing the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure. Ice packs or cool, wet compresses help to reduce swelling and itching.
Calamine lotion or other anti-itch creams can also help alleviate the discomfort caused by chigger bites. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe an antihistamine or a corticosteroid cream to help alleviate symptoms.
Avoid scratching the bites to reduce the risk of infection. The itching and pain normally subsides within a few days to two weeks.
Scabies Mite Bites
Scabies mites burrow into your skin to lay their eggs. They live anywhere humans do and are most commonly spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Their individual bites aren’t visible, but cause a characteristic rash that looks like tiny blisters or bumps. These rashes are most commonly found on the hands, wrists, and between the fingers, but also occur in other areas of the body, such as the elbows, armpits, and genital area.
Scabies mite bites are intensely itchy, worsening at night. The uncomfortable sensation may last several weeks to a month, even after successful treatment that kills all the eggs.
Scabies Bites Treatment
Unfortunately, scabies infestations require a doctor’s attention and prescription treatments. They’ll give you a topical cream containing permethrin or ivermectin that kills the mites and their eggs.
Also, anyone in your house or you have close contact with will need treatment. You’re going to need to wash several household items that may house scabies, including:
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Mattresses
- Carpets
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Car Upholstery
Failure to clean these items could lead to reinfection. A first infection may take several weeks for you to notice, but subsequent ones will be felt immediately.
Dust Mite Bites
Dust mites are microscopic arthropods that feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and animals. They’re commonly found in homes worldwide, especially in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting.
Contrary to popular belief, dust mites don’t actually bite. Instead, they cause allergic reactions in some people, which result in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or rashes that seem like insect bite marks.
Dust mite allergies can be especially problematic for people with asthma, as exposure to dust mites can trigger asthma symptoms.
Treating Dust Mite Symptoms
You can treat dust mite irritation with topical itch creams and lotions, antihistamines, or icing. Symptoms should subside in a few days to one week.
Next, you’ll need to reduce your exposure to the tiny critters. Some steps you can take to lower the dust mite population in your home include:
- Regularly cleaning and vacuuming, especially where dust accumulates.
- Encasing pillows and mattresses in allergen-proof covers.
- Washing bedding and other linens in hot water.
Taking a day or two to thoroughly clean your house should dramatically lower dust mite populations. Then, it’s a matter of staying in a clean routine to keep them down.
Bird Mite Bites
These are tiny, parasitic mites that feed on bird blood. They inhabit nests and can infest homes and buildings near large bird populations.
Bird mites sometimes bite humans when people touch nests or handle birds. The bites cause a range of symptoms, including itching, redness, and irritation.
Furthermore, the bites can appear as small, raised bumps on the skin and can be mistaken for flea or mosquito bites. Bird mite bites can occur anywhere on the body and can be uncomfortable, especially if they are numerous.
Treatments for Bird Mite Bites
Treat bird mite bites by washing the affected area with soap and water and avoid scratching to prevent infection. Additionally, over-the-counter antihistamines and topical corticosteroid creams can alleviate symptoms.
To prevent bird mite infestations, have a professional remove bird nests from your home or property and take steps to deter birds from nesting in or around your home. For severe infestations, your home may need to be treated with pesticides.
Itch Mite Bites
Itch mites are tiny parasites that burrow into the skin of humans and animals. You’re most likely to find them outdoors in grass and other vegetation.
Their bites cause intense itching and a red, bumpy rash. The rash may appear as a cluster of tiny, red dots or larger welts.
Itch mite bites may take several hours or days to develop after they happen, which makes it difficult to tell where they came from. These parasites are most prevalent in warm, humid weather worldwide.
Treating Itch Mite Bites
Like treating other mite bites, wash the affected area with soap and water and apply a cool compress to alleviate itching and reduce swelling. The uncomfortable feelings might last two weeks but normally go away after a day or two.
Over-the-counter antihistamines and topical corticosteroid creams can also help to alleviate discomfort. See a doctor for severe symptoms or if they last over two weeks.
Prevent itch mites exposure by wearing long sleeves and pants in outdoor areas such as forests or grassy fields. Also, wash your clothing and bedding in hot water to kill any mites that may have hitchhiked home with you.
Are Mite Bites Dangerous?
In general, mite bites aren’t dangerous to humans. In fact, most are relatively harmless and can be treated with basic self-care measures.
However, some people may be allergic to mite bites resulting in severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, face or throat swelling, and anaphylaxis. In rare instances, mite bites can transmit diseases such as rickettsialpox or scrub typhus. But, these cases typically only occur where the illnesses are endemic.
Overall, while mite bites can be uncomfortable and irritating, they’re typically not a cause for concern. However, if you experience severe symptoms or believe you may have contracted a disease, promptly seek medical attention.
Can I Get Mites From My Pets?
Yes, it’s possible to get mites from your pets. Several mites that infest cats, dogs, and other domestic animals can be transmitted to humans through close contact.
For example, sarcoptic mange is a dog mite and can also affect humans. The mites burrow into the skin and cause intense itching and a red, bumpy rash.
Another example is ear mites, which commonly affect cats and dogs. They cause itching, redness, and ear irritation in pets or humans.
How To Prevent Pet Mites
The best way to stop pet mites is with flea and tick medications. Preventing these infestations will make your pet more comfortable and eliminate the chance of the parasites spreading to you.