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 common nuisance pest that can quickly infest properties and cause extremely uncomfortable bites Despite their name, these mites feed on humans as readily as turkeys Learning how to identify, prevent, and treat turkey mite outbreaks is key to protecting yourself from their irritating effects.
What Are Turkey Mites?
Turkey mites, also called seed ticks or chiggers, are a form of Trombiculid mite. The reddish-orange larvae are the only stage that feeds on hosts. Adult mites do not bite or parasitize animals.
These mites thrive in hot, humid environments like woodlands and grasslands They live in vegetation and wait to latch onto passing animals Birds, rodents, reptiles, and mammals serve as hosts. But the mites will just as readily bite humans when given the chance.
The microscopic larvae are nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye. You’ll likely notice their presence from the intense itching and rashes that develop after being bitten.
Do Turkey Mites Spread from Person to Person?
Turkey mites do not typically spread from person to person. The mites cannot survive long-term on human hosts. But they can be easily transported on clothing and gear.
It’s more common for humans to pick up mites directly from infested environments and animals. Being in close contact with birds, rodents, or nesting areas where mites congregate poses the greatest risk of exposure.
Once on a human host, turkey mites bite the skin, feed for several days, then drop off. They complete their life cycle in vegetation. Diligent hygiene and clothing changes minimize human-to-human contact.
Where Are Turkey Mites Commonly Found?
Turkey mites thrive outdoors in shady, overgrown spaces, including:
- Woods, forests, and wilderness areas
- Tall grass and brush
- Abandoned structures and debris piles
- Rodent burrows
- Bird nests and roosting sites
Backyard poultry flocks are also prone to infestations. Wild birds can introduce mites to chickens and turkeys sharing habitat. Mites then spread through the flock via close contact.
Rodents and other animals also readily transport mites into areas frequented by humans, allowing them to spread. Carefully manage vegetation and sanitation around your property to discourage mites.
Identifying Turkey Mite Bites
The microscopic larvae are invisible to the naked eye. But they leave noticeable signs on the skin, including:
- Small red bumps resembling mosquito bites
- Intense itching, stinging, and skin irritation
- Hive-like rashes or blotchy patches
- Watery blisters around bite sites
The mites tend to bite in warm, moist areas like the groin, armpits, and waist. But bites can appear anywhere on the body. The irritation often persists for over a week after the initial bite.
Excessive scratching can lead to infection. Keep the skin clean and avoid breaking the surface, which allows bacteria entry.
Do Turkey Mites Spread Disease?
Turkey mites do not directly transmit infectious diseases to humans. However, they can facilitate the spread of certain illnesses among populations of birds and livestock.
Bacterial and viral poultry diseases like erysipelas, salmonella, lymphoid leukosis, and histomonas may circulate via mites. Employ rigorous biosecurity and promptly treat any sick birds to limit outbreaks.
In humans, the saliva in mite bites may provoke severe dermatitis reactions in sensitive individuals. Ensure bites don’t become infected from aggressive scratching.
Preventing Turkey Mite Infestations
Reduce the chances of exposure and outbreaks by taking these preventive steps:
- Wear tightly woven, light-colored clothing outdoors
- Tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants
- Use DEET or permethrin-based repellents
- Shower and launder clothes after potential exposure
- Treat pets and livestock with miticides
- Clear overgrown vegetation around the home
- Remove bird nests and rodent burrows on the property
- Place sticky traps around suspected mite hideouts
Checking both yourself and pets thoroughly after time outdoors can help identify mites before widespread infestations occur. Address any animals presumed to be carrying mites.
Treating Turkey Mite Bites and Infestations
If you suspect mites, take the following actions to treat bites and control outbreaks:
- Bathe in warm, soapy water to wash off mites
- Apply hydrocortisone or antihistamine creams to relieve itching
- Use permethrin-based lice spray on affected skin
- Treat clothes, bedding, and gear with permethrin
- Wash laundry on high heat to kill any lingering mites
- Thoroughly vacuum and sanitize indoor spaces
- Hire pest control to apply miticidal chemicals if needed
For severe reactions, oral antihistamines, topical steroids, or antibiotics may be prescribed. Always finish any topical or oral treatments fully, even after symptoms improve. Combining diligent hygiene, medication, and pest mitigation limits mite activity.
Key Prevention and Treatment Tips
Keep these essential points in mind when dealing with turkey mites:
- Wear protective clothing such as lightweight, light-colored long pants and sleeves when in wooded, overgrown areas
- Apply DEET or permethrin repellents to exposed skin and outer clothing
- Shower and launder clothing after potential mite exposure
- Carefully check the skin for tiny red bites and rashes
- Treat bites with OTC anti-itch creams and medicated creams/sprays
- Wash bedding and clothing in hot water after exposure
- Use permethrin-based sprays and pest control chemicals to kill mites in the home and yard
- Prompt identification and treatment is vital to control outbreaks before they intensify
While turkey mites are prevalent in natural settings, smart prevention and swift response once bites occur can significantly limit their impact. Being proactive and using a combination of hygiene, medication, and mitigation helps protect against these pervasive pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do turkey mite bites last?
Turkey mite bites typically cause intense itching, irritation, and rashes lasting around 2-3 weeks. Prompt treatment can reduce discomfort and speed healing.
Can pets get turkey mites?
Yes, pets like dogs and cats can readily pick up turkey mites from the environment. Check animals closely after time outdoors and treat with medicated shampoos.
Do turkey mites jump from person to person?
Turkey mites cannot survive long-term on human hosts. While mites may briefly transfer on clothing, they typically fall off quickly and do not directly jump from person to person.
What diseases do turkey mites spread?
Turkey mites are not known to transmit infectious diseases to humans. But they can facilitate the spread of certain viral, bacterial, and protozoal illnesses amongst poultry flocks and livestock.
How do you kill turkey mites?
Eliminate mites through medications like permethrin creams on the skin, permethrin sprays on clothing/bedding, hot-water laundry, thorough cleaning/vacuuming, and professional pest control treatments if warranted.
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.
Treating the Itch: Chiggers versus Turkey Mites
In my experience, calamine lotion is not effective in treating turkey mites. In recent years, I have used a triple approach. This is what I have done personally, please seek professional medical attention if needed. I first wipe down the affected skin with isopropyl alcohol. While this burns, it does help prevent infection. Try as I might, I can’t help but scratch.
Next, I apply Tecnu Calagel Anti Itch Gel and I also spray with a topical analgesic Tecnu Rash Relief Spray. Yes, I use both, desperate times call for desperate measures. This combination seems to be the best at keeping the itching at bay, however, I haven’t found anything that makes it completely stop. The itching can last for weeks after exposure.
