Transmission of Mites

Mite Transmission

How did I get mites in my house?

Mites are passed onto humans from their primary hosts. The following information should help you identify some of the most common mites you might find in your home.

Here are some of the most common sources of northern fowl mite infestations.

Bird nests in gutters or on the sides of buildings Common pet birds such as cockatoos, parakeets, parrots and canaries Mites infest birdseed, especially if the seed is left outside Poultry egg containers brought into the home Also found on chickens Known to infest rodents such as the common field mouse and even pet gerbils

While the Chicken Mite or Red Poultry Mite share many similarities with Fowl Mites here are few additional sources of infestations that are more specific to the Fowl Mite.

The species may invade may invade houses from the roosts of chickens or the nest of wild birds Migration of mties from the nests of birds often, but not always, occurs when nestlings leave the nest.  Sparrows, starlings, and pigeons most often are the wild birds responsible for household infestations of these mites, although other wild birds also have been implicated

The Straw Itch Mite

• Straw itch mites find their way into your bed through their primary hosts, moths and beetles.
• Removal of the primary host is the best method to prevent transmission to the home.

Chiggers, Redbugs, and Harvest Mites

• Transmitted during the summer moths
• Only feed on humans during their larval stage
• Larval mites are known to also attack rodents, birds, poulty, rabbits, livestock, snakes and toads

House Mouse Mites, Tropical Rat Mites

• As you probably assumed from the name, mouse and rat mites primary hosts are rats and mice
• Transmission occurs through infiltration of the rodent hosts into the home