Small red stings on the skin, which itch uncomfortably and sometimes hurt, indicate grass mites. It is no coincidence that the symptoms appear more frequently after playing on the lawn or after sunbathing in the park. This is where the tiny pests hide and wait for a suitable host to bite on. If you want to ban grass mites from your garden, you will find helpful tips on this page.
There are fewer grass mites in short grass
Brief profile of the grass mite
In order to successfully combat pests, it is always helpful to know their lifestyle and preferences. Therefore, below is a brief overview of the appearance and behavior of the grass mite.
- belong to the arachnids
- also known as autumn grass mite, autumn mite, grass louse or harvest mite
- are only 0.2 to 0.3 mm in size
Where do grass mites live?
Grass mites usually stay on the ground. They lurk on the tips of the grass blades in search of a suitable host. If a creature passes by, depending on their size, they drop or cling to the fur or skin. Grass mites prefer dry climates and warm temperatures. Therefore, the occurrence is particularly high in the warm season.
Detect grass mites
Would you like to check whether there are grass mites in your lawn? There is a simple trick for this:
- On a sunny day, place a piece of black paper or dark-colored foil on the lawn.
- Wait a few minutes.
- Check the paper or foil for small red animals.
But how does this application work? Quite simply: the black paper heats up in the sun because of the colour. Since grass mites love warmth, they crawl from the blades of grass onto the paper.
Incidentally, grass mites do not colonize the entire lawn. They usually form patch-like colonies that occasionally appear in the garden. So apply the above trick to multiple places.
Are grass mites dangerous?
Adult animals pose no danger. They have already reached their last stage of life and spend most of their lives underground. The larvae of the grass mite, on the other hand, cause painful bites. However, unlike ticks or mosquitoes, they do not suck blood. Therefore, they do not transmit diseases. However, they feed on small particles of skin that they scrape off the epidermis with their mouthparts. They secrete a corrosive salivary secretion. They then detach from their host and mature into adult animals.
Symptoms of a sting
- itching
- Pain (delayed in appearance, usually after 24 hours)
- redness
- wheals
- often on the groin, the ankle bracelet or in the back of the knee
- more than just a stitch
- Complaints last up to two weeks
- allergic reactions possible
What promises relief?
Although the bites of the grass mite often cause severe itching, you should avoid scratching the areas. This only increased the risk of the small punctures becoming infected. A cooling gel from the pharmacy can help to reduce the itching. If the application remains without noticeable success, it is best to consult a doctor. They will prescribe you an ointment containing cortisone.
Who is at risk?
Unfortunately, nobody is safe from grass mites. The size of the host does not play a role in the selection. Grass mites even penetrate dense animal fur.
Get rid of grass mites
lawn care
In summer it is advisable to water the lawn regularly. Since grass mites avoid moisture, they look for another habitat if the grass is too wet. Furthermore, the animals do not only nest on fresh stalks. The pruning that occurs when mowing also offers a welcome quarter. Therefore, dispose of the waste outside of your garden. Please note, however, that you are legally composting the cuttings.
If grass mites encounter unfavorable conditions on the surface of the earth, they sometimes crawl into the lower layers of the earth. They penetrate the ground up to a meter deep. As soon as the situation on the surface improves, they will appear again. You can prevent this by disturbing the pests where they retreat. Remove moss and scarify your garden thoroughly.
More funds
In addition, two home remedies have proven effective in combating grass mites:
- neem oil
- and kieselguhr powder
help drive out the population. Pour the remedy of your choice onto affected areas of the lawn. You can find them using the trick explained above.