Mites
(Subclass Acarina)
Appearance
Most mites are oval shaped, without antennae, and grayish-black to red in color. Their mouthparts are grouped in front of the body, resembling a head. Adult mites have four pairs of legs. Some mites appear as barely visible red and gray, slow-moving specks, while others are microscopic.
Size
Mites are very small, and most range from 1/200 to 1/25-inch in length.
Behavior
Many species of mites are serious pests of agricultural crops, either through direct damage or indirectly as vectors of plant pathogens. Other species are parasitic on domestic animals and cause losses in meat, egg, and fiber production. Others, such as the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, are not direct agents of human disease or vectors of pathogens, although they can cause intense itching and allergic reactions requiring medical attention.
Interesting Facts
House Dust mites are a major source of allergies.
Control
Do you live in Florida and think that this pest may be invading your home? Hulett Environmental Services offers specialty lawn care treatments designed to control and eliminate this pest!
