Our trips to the homestead can be brutal in the late summer months. It never fails that I get eaten up by what I have called chiggers for many years. However the locals, all say the same thing, likely I was bitten by turkey mites. In all the places I have lived, I had never heard of turkeys mites and really thought that it was just local terminology. However, I’ve reached the point where I need to know, what exactly finds me so irresistible and how can I fight back! Chiggers versus turkey mites, what is the difference?
Technically chiggers are not insects at all but are arachnids, in the same family as spiders and ticks. They are better known as mites. While chiggers prefer tall grass-like fields and wooded areas they can also be found in your yard. They are most active in the warmer months of the year when temperatures reach 77 to 86 degrees. Fortunately, the chigger larvae die as temperatures drop below 42 degrees.
Adult chiggers are extremely tiny, only about 1/60th of an inch in size. Adult chiggers are not dangerous to humans, it is the larvae that cause such irritation. The larvae are even more tiny, only about 1/150th of an inch. They are practically invisible to the naked eye, however since they are typically clustered in large numbers, they may appear as a tiny red dot on the skin.
Chiggers prefer brushy and grassy areas that stay moist during the day. The larvae can’t fly, so they remain clustered together waiting for passing hosts. The larvae are strictly parasitic, seeking hosts where they can feed.
Turkey mites are a nuisance pest for both humans and animals. These tiny larvae can cause extremely uncomfortable skin irritation. It’s important to get rid of them quickly to alleviate discomfort and prevent disease transmission. The good news is there are several effective ways to kill and repel turkey mites.
What Are Turkey Mites?
Turkey mites are actually the larval form of the lone star tick They are extremely small bugs, about 1/100 inch long, with 6-8 legs Turkey mites are most active from July through October when they climb onto low vegetation and wait for a host to walk by.
Once on a host turkey mites crawl around looking for a place to attach themselves and feed. They use mouth spikes to anchor to the skin and draw blood. The bites often remain irritated and itchy for days after the mite falls off or gets removed.
Why Kill Turkey Mites?
There are several good reasons to get rid of turkey mites fast:
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Itchy rashes – Mite bites cause red, swollen, itchy bumps and rashes that can persist for weeks. The itching is extremely uncomfortable.
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Disease transmission – Turkey mites can spread diseases like ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal meat allergy to humans and pets. These illnesses can cause severe flu-like symptoms.
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Allergic reactions – Some people may have severe allergic reactions to compounds in mite saliva.
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Skin infections – Scratching mite bites can break the skin and lead to bacterial infections.
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Hair loss and skin damage – Pets with heavy mite infestations can suffer hair loss, skin inflammation, and lesions.
12 Methods to Kill Turkey Mites
The good news is there are several effective ways to get rid of turkey mites on humans, pets, and around the home. Here are 12 of the best methods:
1. Wash Bedding in Hot Water
Washing all bedding and fabric items in 130°F or hotter water will kill turkey mites and eggs. Be sure to dry on a hot cycle as well. For non-washable items, seal in a plastic bag and freeze for 24 hours.
2. Apply Pesticides
Pesticides and miticides specifically formulated to kill mites can be applied to skin, clothing, animals, and environmental surfaces. Carefully follow all product labels and safety warnings.
3. Spray Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps containing pyrethrins quickly kill mites on contact while remaining safe for humans. Treat lawns, animal areas, kennels, etc.
4. Apply Tea Tree Oil
Wipe down skin and fur with a diluted tea tree oil solution. The oil kills mites and repels new ones. Do not use undiluted on pets.
5. Give Pets a Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo Bath
Washing dogs and cats with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo kills mites on their skin and coats. Follow up with a tea tree oil rinse.
6. Spray Plants with Neem Oil
Neem oil smothers and kills mites on contact. Use it to treat plants and bushes where mites may hide while waiting for hosts.
7. Apply Sulfur Powder
Dust sulfur powder onto skin and animal fur and rub in thoroughly. Sulfur kills mites and prevents reinfestations. Allow to sit for 24 hours before bathing off. Wear gloves when applying.
8. Use Prescription Topical Medications
For heavy mite infestations on pets, vets may prescribe topical flea and tick prevention medications containing powerful pesticides that kill mites.
9. Bathe in a Bleach Solution
Soaking in a warm bath containing 1/2 cup of bleach for 15 minutes can help kill mites on human skin. Completely submerge affected areas and rinse well after.
10. Apply Lice Shampoo
Thoroughly rub lice shampoo over rashes and infected areas. Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing off. The chemicals are very effective against mites.
11. Apply Antiparasitic Creams
Creams containing benzyl benzoate, tea tree oil, or sulfur applied to the skin will kill mites. 2-3 applications are usually needed. Ask a pharmacist for help selecting one.
12. Take an Antihistamine
For symptom relief, take an oral antihistamine like Benadryl to reduce skin itching, inflammation, and rashes caused by mite bites.
Prevention Tips
- Avoid areas with tall grasses and weeds where mites may gather
- Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes in wooded areas
- Shower right after being outdoors and check for mites
- Keep pets out of wooded and overgrown areas
- Talk to your vet about monthly tick/mite prevention meds for pets
When to Seek Medical Care
See a doctor right away if you experience:
- Rash covering a large portion of the body
- Signs of infection like oozing/pus, expanding redness, streaks, fever
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe itching not relieved by antihistamines
- Flu-like illness after mite bites
Turkey mites can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable. Thankfully there are many safe, effective ways to get rid of them on yourself, your pets, clothing, and around the home. Combining prevention tips with prompt treatment will help provide fast relief and stop infestations in their tracks.
How Do Chiggers Bite?
Once chiggers attach to a host, they seek exposed skin areas. Often the mite bites will be in places where clothing fits tightly. They are most likely to be found around your ankles, lower legs, behind your knees, groin, and waist. Once they locate exposed skin, the chigger larvae pierce the skin and use digestive enzymes in their saliva to liquefy the exposed skin cells. They feed off the dissolved skin tissue. Once attached to a host, the chiggers can remain attached for several days while they feed.
What are Turkey Mites?
Entomologists agree that the villain known as a turkey mite is actually the larval form of Lone Star Ticks. Click to see a photo here. They are also known as seed ticks or turkey ticks. The best description I read was “they are similar to chiggers, except worse.” Deer are actually the most prominent host of the Lone Star ticks, however wild turkeys and other ground-feeding birds are also hosts to Lone Star Ticks. Turkeys are blamed for the more widespread distribution of the Lone Star Tick due to the increase of the turkey population over the last 50 years. Lone Star Ticks can be found all over the south, and the central United States.
Are Itchy Mite Bites Bugging You? Watch This.
FAQ
How do you get rid of turkey mites fast?
How to treat turkey mite bites? Clean your coop. Smother the mites with a chicken safe oil. Use Ivermectin. Apply coconut oil on the feet 1-2 times per week. Repeat in 7-10 days. Give them a good scrub with a nail brush. Treat the coop with permethrin 10. Use mite removal spray.
How to treat mites on turkeys?
How to safely remove a turkey mite from a pet bird? Use a combination of Mite-STOP spray and Kieselguhr. Spray the entire coop with Mite-STOP spray. Use Kieselguhr and rub all chickens with it. It kills the mites by drying them out. Thoroughly inspect roosts, nest boxes, and surfaces at night.
What kills mites immediately?
Ivermectin (Stromectol). – Although these drugs kill the mites quickly, itching may not stop for many weeks.Jul 28, 2022
Do turkey mites stay in your skin?
Many folk tales surround this creature, so here are some common misconceptions to put to rest: Myth 1: They burrow and stay lodged in your skin. They do bite, but they quickly take what they want and move on; and no, putting nail polish on the bite doesn’t help.
How do you get rid of Turkey mites?
Fill a tub with warm water and add 1/2 cup of bleach to the water. Soak in this bleach and water solution for 15 minutes. Keep as much of your body under the water as possible, especially any areas that are already red or blotchy and that itch. This will kill or weaken the turkey mites and kill many other parasites as well 1.
Is there a natural remedy for ear mites?
Tea tree oil, when diluted with a carrier oil, can help alleviate ear mites in pets. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil, then apply a small amount to the pet’s ear using a clean cotton ball. However, consulting a veterinarian before using any natural remedies is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness, as untreated ear mite infestations can lead to complications.
Can Turkey mites be prevented?
As with any bug bite, prevention is the best course of action. I will admit, that I have not practiced good prevention when it comes to turkey mites. Most sources indicate that insect repellents containing 20% DEET are an effective treatment to prevent tick bites.
How do you treat a Turkey mite bite?
Topical creams or ointments may also be used to help relieve itching and other symptoms associated with turkey mite bites. In severe cases, oral medications or other treatments may be necessary to help control the infestation and prevent further complications.
What is a Turkey mite?
Turkey mites are parasitic mites that are commonly found in the wild and can infest a variety of bird species, including turkeys, chickens, pigeons, and canaries. These mites are known for their ability to cause intense itching and skin irritation in their hosts, which can lead to the development of rashes, infections, and other complications.
Does 5% permethrin cream kill Turkey mites?
5% permethrin cream is a prescription cream that can be used in children as young as 2 months. This cream is effective in killing turkey mites and other parasites, but it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid using too much of the cream.