The crazy thing about these bugs is, they are of completely different species. This means that they are not even related which is something considering the fact that most people categorize the bugs together. Mites are also found in homes and on pets; they are tiny and may only be seen with the aid of a microscope.
Initially, most fleas and mites will not bite or harm people except they do not have access to an animal host, but some species are for humans though and once a human is bitten by either, they leave swelling, itchy, irritating bite marks in their wake.
You need to know how to tell them apart in order to administer the appropriate treatment because left untreated, a bite can lead to serious health complications.
Mites
Mites are classified as arthropods are closely related to ticks and spiders. They survive by feeding on dead plant and animal material, other insects. Dust mite especially feeds on dead skin cells. Mites rarely infest homes and when they do, you may not even notice.
Are Mites harmful to humans?
If you are bitten by a mite, you may suffer from rashes and skin lumps. One species that are commonly found in and on humans are berry bugs also known as Chigger. They feed on blood in their larval stage, the bites are extremely itchy and a red welt forms on that spot.
On the other hand, problems associated with indoor mites have been confirmed to be from animal nests such as bird nests, mice and rats. When they become too much, they flow over to the surrounding, your home.
If you are bitten, the skin may be reddened for some days but that should wear off after sometime. Anti-itch creams such as hydrocortisone can be used to soothe the itch and reduce the swelling. In a week, those symptoms should disappear completely and if not consult a doctor. On the bright side, the mites do not live humans, they will fall off after feeding.
Scabies are formed from multiple bites of fleas and it can be transmitted from one person to another. This happens because mites like any other living thing has to reproduce. While they feed, mites lay eggs causing pimple-like rashes. Scabies can be treated with prescribed lotions or creams. Some people are allergic to dust mite though the symptoms are rather mild like sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose, all of which can be treated with OTC or prescribed medications.
How to eradicate mites from your home
These arthropods are easy to get rid of, at least easier than fleas. All you need to do is to remove the animal’s nests around your house. No need to buy all those harmful chemical pesticides. If you find this too much, contact an expert to take care of it.
However, it is different with a scabies mite, after getting treated by a doctor, you need to take steps to remove scabies mite from the house. First, thoroughly vacuum the entire house and decontaminate the pet bedding, towels and clothing or you can seal these items in a plastic bag for three days.
Dust mites are harder to get rid of but to avoid an infestation, keep your home clean. Dust and vacuum every day, purchase bedclothes that can be machine-washed and does not accumulate dust, then install air filters (HEPA).