Predatory Mite!
Well, it is officially summer! With that comes sunshine, kayaking, fishing, fun … and pests, pests, pests!
If you happen to be a pet-owner, (anything from birds to rats to cats and dogs), a potential problem you should watch for is … infestation by mites!
Mites are arachnids (they have FOUR pairs of legs and two main body segments). Even though they are not always immediately harmful to animals, some of them (depending on species) also happen to be parasites, requiring a host to feed off of.
Mites actually vary in appearance, size and appearance based on their particular
species, which also determines which animal/species they prefer as a host.
This is why there exist cat-mites, dog-mites, bird-mites, bat-mites, rat-mites …
you name it; if it is a pet, chances are there is a mite that goes with it.
Their actual life-cycle starts off in egg-form, and they develop through larval
and pupal phases, until they reach full maturity.
Mites are extremely tiny and almost impossible to spot without some kind of
magnification. Sometimes, though, if they scurry across a surface that is plain
and light enough, due to their reddish colour they CAN be spotted.
Mites like to stick with their (animal) “hosts”, and feed off them, but in the
absence of their preferred host, they will bite people.
Interestingly enough, mites tend to live in their animal host’s nest, and come out
periodically specifically to feed, and then go back into hiding in the nest.
Others actually prefer living literally just underneath the skin of their host
animal. It really varies, according to species, host …etc.
Usually, the tell-tale sign of mites is extremely itchy and red papules that form
close together on your skin as a rash. Mites tend to bite in areas where your
clothing would rub on your skin.
The best way to prevent/control mites is to ensure that you deal with infestations by pest that can carry them promptly. If you have issues with birds, mice, or other pests, give us a call at 705.534.7863 or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com, and have Ross come check it out.
Or you can Get a Quote..
