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.
If you’ve ever experienced a mysteriously itchy rash after being around turkeys, you may have wondered – what is a turkey mite? Despite the name, turkey mites are actually a misnomer – they are not a unique species, but rather the larval form of common ticks. Understanding the truth behind these pests is key to preventing irritation and managing infestations.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll uncover everything you need to know about turkey mites including
- What are turkey mites
- The life cycle and behavior
- How to identify an infestation
- Health risks and symptoms
- Effective treatment and prevention
Arm yourself with knowledge so you can properly identify and handle turkey mites should they ever become an issue!
What Are Turkey Mites?
Turkey mites are the young, larval form of various tick species. They are commonly found on domestic turkeys and chickens, where they live in the birds’ nests and bedding. Their affinity for poultry leads to the mistaken name.
Despite preferring avian hosts turkey mites will bite humans opportunistically. They can cause extremely itchy rashes that seem to spontaneously appear on the body. This has led to tales of “phantom itches” caused by turkeys, when in fact it is their passenger pests to blame.
Turkey mites are often confused with chiggers. But chiggers are a form of Trombiculid mite whereas turkey mites are immature ticks. Their look, biology, and host preferences differ.
The Turkey Mite Life Cycle
To understand turkey mites it helps to know their life cycle
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Eggs – Turkey mites begin as eggs laid in dark, humid areas in poultry coops. A female can lay up to 20 eggs at once.
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Larvae – After 3-11 days, eggs hatch into larvae which immediately require a blood meal. This is the turkey mite stage that bites birds and humans.
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Nymphs – Well-fed larvae molt into nymphs which ride on host birds and feed on blood for 4-6 days.
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Adults – Nymphs then develop into adult ticks that mate and lay eggs to continue the cycle. Adults live for months feeding on bird blood.
The larval turkey mite stage is when they are most likely to come into contact with humans and cause itchy bites. Their goal is finding a food source to fuel development.
How Do You Get Turkey Mites?
You can get turkey mites by:
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Handling infested poultry – Their larvae can get onto human skin.
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Contact with tick-friendly environments – Brushy areas, forests, and bird coops may harbor ticks.
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Proximity to wildlife – Ticks feed on birds and rodents that can bring them near humans.
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Poor sanitation – Messy poultry coops allow mites to thrive. Cleaning reduces population growth.
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Warm seasons – Mild winters and early springs let more ticks survive and breed.
Be extra vigilant checking for ticks after handling poultry or spending time outdoors, especially in the warmer months.
Signs of a Turkey Mite Infestation
Detecting a turkey mite issue involves looking for these signs:
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Itchy red bumps appearing mysteriously, often on legs and ankles. The rash can spread if left untreated.
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A sensation of crawling on the skin as larvae move and bite. This urge to scratch can be intense.
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Black pepper-like specks (larvae) seen on skin or bedding. Infestations can spread from coops into homes.
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Decreased egg production or loss of appetite in poultry flocks signals anemia from mite feeding.
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Evidence of mites on roosting birds including scabs from biting and feather damage from grooming.
Act quickly at the first sign of bites to prevent irritation and further infestation. Proper identification is key to control.
Dangers and Health Risks
While extremely uncomfortable, turkey mites pose a few concerns beyond itching and irritation:
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Allergic reactions – Bites can potentially trigger severe allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Redness and swelling may require medical treatment.
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Secondary infections – Scratching mite bites can break the skin and allow bacterial infections to develop. Keep bites clean and covered.
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Anemia – In poultry, heavy mite feeding can lead to anemia, lethargy, and reduced egg-laying.
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Pesticide overuse – Attempts to control mites can lead to over-application of chemical pesticides and harm to non-target species.
Proper identification, treatment, and prevention minimizes these issues and health risks. Protect yourself and your flock from turkey mite problems.
Treating Turkey Mite Bites on Humans
Relieving turkey mite bites centers on killing the larvae and stopping the itch:
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Apply antiseptic creams to relieve itching and prevent infection in bites.
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Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can decrease allergic reactions.
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Hydrocortisone creams/sprays reduce inflammation and irritation of bites.
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Commercial lice treatment shampoos target the mites on the skin when applied topically.
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A bleach bath of 1⁄2 cup bleach in a tub of water kills mites through contact. Soak affected areas.
For severe reactions to bites, seek medical care. Properly treating bites provides relief while also stopping mites from spreading or developing into nymphs.
Eliminating Turkey Mites from the Environment
Ending a turkey mite infestation requires attacking it on multiple fronts:
Treating Birds
- Apply poultry dusts/sprays containing permetrhin or carbaryl. Follow product instructions carefully.
- Increase hygiene – clean coops and change bedding frequently.
- Isolate and treat any infested birds away from the flock.
Sanitizing Housing
- Remove all old bedding and sanitize the coop with soap/bleach solution.
- Sprinkle food grade diatomaceous earth in nest boxes and coop flooring to kill larvae.
- Fix crevices and holes where mites can hide.
Controlling Outdoors
- Clear vegetation and brush around coops to remove tick habitat.
- Apply sanitized gravel/sand barriers around housing. Mites avoid dry environments.
- Strategically use pesticides on surrounding areas.
With diligence across all of these areas, turkey mite populations can be knocked down and controlled. Stopping the cycle prevents future issues.
Preventing Turkey Mites
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to handling turkey mites. Methods to avoid infestations include:
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Keep chickens out of wild bird and rodent habitats where ticks thrive.
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Use raised coops and runs to minimize contact with ticks in soil or vegetation.
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Maintain dirt areas around coops free of weeds, bushes, and debris.
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Check birds regularly for signs of mites and isolate/treat at the first evidence.
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Follow integrated pest management plans that balance treatment methods.
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Allow free-range flocks access to dust baths; dust smothers mites naturally.
With vigilant prevention measures, turkey mites can be avoided altogether, along with the headaches they bring!
Turkey Mite Facts and Key Takeaways
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Turkey mites are the larval form of ticks, not a unique species.
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They thrive in poultry environments but will bite humans opportunistically.
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Look for red itchy bumps and pepper-like larvae on skin as signs of bites.
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Control measures should focus on birds, housing, and the surrounding property.
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Prevention through sanitation and habitat management is most effective.
Now that you know the basics about what a turkey mite is, you can be prepared to handle any issues involving this persistent poultry pest!
Life Cycle of a Tick
Ticks have four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. Other than the egg stage, the remaining three stages of life depend on the ticks finding a parasitic host to survive. While some ticks prefer the same host for all stages, most find a different host for each stage of development. Ticks find their hosts as they can detect the breath, body odors, heat, and moisture of their hosts. Like chiggers, they like tall grasses and wooded areas. Ticks also can not fly or jump, but they wait in a position ready to attach to a host called questing. Ticks stand holding their front legs at the ready. When a host walk by, they are prepared to latch on. Lone star ticks are aggressive ticks and will host on humans at all three stages of development.
Identifying a Chigger Bite
Within a few hours, the chigger bites will begin to itch. The intense itching can often keep you awake at night. The bites will become red welts or blisters. Often these bites will be in straight lines. I have to admit, I have not noticed the straight lines of bites, but I will certainly try to pay more attention. Thankfully chiggers don’t carry diseases, however, the secondary infections caused by scratching can cause problems.
Are Itchy Mite Bites Bugging You? Watch This.
FAQ
What do turkey mites do to humans?
Turkey mites create red, rash-like bites. These small bumps become inflamed, swollen, and may blister. Itchy outbreaks can occur all over the body. The one constant difference between the two types of bites is that the severe itching is much more severe with turkey mites than with chiggers.
How to get rid of turkey mites on your body?
- Wash the area well with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress or ice pack to the area. …
- Apply an antihistamine cream or ointment, or take an oral (pill or liquid) form.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen.
Are turkey mites baby ticks?
“Most entomologists agree that what is called the turkey mite or turkey chigger is a ‘seed tick,’” he said. Although some confusion accompanies the name of these creatures, their effects on warm-blooded animals and humans are distinct. A mystery lurks behind the appearance of these ticks in Indiana.
How do I know if I have turkey mites?
- discolored rash-like marks on your skin.
- small bumps that can become hard or inflamed.
- irritation, itching, and pain near the mark, rash, or bump.
- swollen or blistered skin near the bite.