Grass mites are annoying animals that can become a real nuisance during the warm summer months. It is not uncommon for children or pets to suddenly complain of itching after playing in the meadow. In most cases, it is bite injuries caused by the grass mite.

Although very small, grass mites can be seen with the naked eye

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. recognize stitches
  3. combat
  4. treat bites
  5. home remedies
  6. Homeopathy and alternative medicine
  7. Prevent
  8. Characteristics
  9. Look
  10. habitats
  11. frequently asked Questions

    12. the essentials in brief

    • Bites are usually only recognized when the autumn mite has fallen off; then ugly wheals develop, which can become inflamed by scratching
    • Regular mowing and watering of the lawn keeps grass mites in check
    • Neem oil or stinging nettle brew are natural home remedies against grass mite infestation in the lawn
    • The bite should be disinfected immediately with alcohol and can then be treated with antibacterial and/or anti-inflammatory agents such as essential oils

    recognize stitches

    Bites from the autumn mite lead to so-called harvest itch in most people, which is also known as gooseberry disease. A bite does not cause pain and is usually not noticed immediately. After the larva has fallen off the bite site, it can take up to 24 hours for the first symptoms to appear.

    The bite causes numerous reddish spots reminiscent of small mosquito bites. Frequent scratching causes the bite wounds to swell into wheals. The symptoms subside after about ten to 14 days. Symptoms are similar in animals. If the pets scratch incessantly and the dog licks its paws, a fall mite infestation may be an issue. Horses also suffer from severe itching. They scratch at every opportunity, causing weeping, crusty sores and inflammation.

    From bite to wheal:

    1. Larva bites its skin
    2. Saliva secretions are injected
    3. Nodule formation at the puncture site
    4. Nodules enlarge into vesicles
    5. Scratching the blisters leads to subsequent infection

    Different skin reactions

    Some people experience an extreme rash that resembles an allergy. The wheals can appear anywhere on the body, even if the larva has only suckled in one spot. These extreme forms cause severe itching on the skin. Some people hardly show any symptoms. There are people who are desensitized after a first attack. In the event of a re-infestation, there are no more complaints.

    While some grass mite bites become badly inflamed, others are just small red spots

    Affected body areas

    The larvae prefer moist, warm areas of the body where the skin is particularly thin. Armpits or skin folds on the stomach or in the genital area are among the frequently affected areas, but legs, scalp and ears are also occasionally affected. The arachnids also feel comfortable under tight-fitting clothing, so they also settle under the edges of socks, underwear or the waistband of trousers.

    In dogs, the parasites often settle on the legs, abdomen, chest and ears. They can also infest the paws as the dogs roam the vegetation. Cats often suffer from the bites on their temples and ears. The mites also appear on the tip of the tail and remain on the animal's skin for several days.

    Combat grass mites

    To protect against grass mites in the garden, you should mow the lawn regularly and keep it moist. Under wet conditions, the mites retreat into the soil and no longer pose a threat to humans and animals. Remove the lawn clippings from the area so that the arachnids are deprived of their livelihood. If you know that grass mites live on your lawn, you should burn the clippings or dispose of them with the general waste.

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    Pyrethrum as a natural insecticide

    Pyrethrins are natural substances that are contained in various plants and have an insecticidal effect. The substance acts on the nervous system The Dalmatian insect flower (Tanacetum cinerariifolium or Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) is not called insect powder plant without reason, because it develops two different pyrethrins and is used for the production of biological pesticides. The active ingredient is contained in Neudorff's tick and grass mite concentrate and can be applied to the lawn to combat grass mites.

    Disadvantages of natural insecticide:

    • Ingredients also kill beneficial insects
    • slightly irritating to the skin
    • irritate eyes and mucous membranes
    • deadly poisoning in humans and pets possible

    Treat lawn with home remedies

    Fertilize your lawn regularly with nettle manure or neem tea. Mix a small cup of neem oil or nettle decoction with five liters of water and apply the solution to the grass mite nests. The arachnids are usually not distributed over a large area, but stay in certain places with optimal conditions. Use a white cloth to locate nests.

    tips

    You can also dab the nests with 70% alcohol to kill as many of the larvae as possible. But be careful: this can also damage plants and useful creatures.

    scarify

    If your lawn tends to form moss, you should scarify the area thoroughly in the spring. This loosens up the turf and removes thatch and dense moss cushions in which grass mites thrive. In the well-aerated turf, the conditions for the arachnids to spread are suboptimal. Then fertilize the lawn so that the grass can prevail over the moss.

    tips

    Fertilizing with lime and nitrogen is said to have helped one or the other hobby gardener in the fight against the grass mite plague. Apply fertilizer on a dry day after mowing in early May.

    Treat bites in humans and animals

    In adults, only the symptoms are treated, as the stings usually go away on their own. To relieve the itching, the doctor prescribes cortisone ointments or anhistamines. You can put cooling compresses on the affected areas to reduce the swelling. Warmth in the bed should be avoided in the first few hours after the onset of the symptoms, as it makes the itching even worse. If the puncture wound has become infected or bacteria appear, the doctor can use an antibiotic.

    Medical products for pets

    If the infestation is severe and your pet is scratching relentlessly, medical treatment is essential. At the latest when open or weeping wounds appear on the skin, a visit to the vet is necessary. The veterinarian will prescribe various remedies that specifically help against the pests.

    shape effect application
    frontline Spray, spot on insecticide, acaricide externally
    cetirizine tablets against itching inside
    Sebacil solution insecticide, acaricide external: immersion bath

    Gentle shampoos for children and babies

    The larvae often bite into the scalp of babies and small children, so that the entire head is covered in itchy redness. Gentle shampoos with willow bark extract provide relief for people, dogs and cats. Willow contains salicin. This substance relieves itching and reduces inflammation. The scent of special shampoos has a deterrent effect on the arachnids. Herb mixtures with willow bark and meadowsweet have also proven to be beneficial for horses against grass mite bites because they promote wound healing.

    Mild and natural soaps for pets

    If your dog or cat is infested with grass mite larvae all over your body, a long bath with special soap can help. The soaps should be free of synthetic additives and strong odors. Rose, sandalwood or sage care for the skin. Nettle or marigold extracts clean the coat and protect the skin and nose. Lather up the soap with your hands and spread the lather thoroughly over the coat and paws. Let the soap soak in for a moment to scare away the larvae.

    tips

    Place a bowl of a soapy water solution by the front door. So you can clean the dog's fur with a cloth after every walk.

    Treat grass mite bites with home remedies

    If you or your child have been attacked by grass mites, you should immediately rub the red bite with 70 percent alcohol. This disinfects the area and ensures that there are no subsequent infections caused by bacteria. Skin-friendly products from the kitchen, which can usually also be used on pets, are suitable for treating the bites.

    If the itching becomes unbearable, you can spread cottage cheese on the affected areas. The milk product has a cooling effect, which can relieve itching. It also promotes wound healing. You should avoid acidic products such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, as they irritate the skin further. In addition, their usefulness has not been confirmed.

    ingredients effect for pets for children application
    coconut oil lauric acid soothing, antimicrobial and nourishing suitable suitable internally, externally
    neem oil Azadirachtin, essential oils repellent, soothing, anti-inflammatory conditionally suitable: should not get into the mouth or nose suitable from 4 years externally
    black seed oil unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acids, essential oils analgesic, anti-inflammatory suitable suitable internally, externally
    tea tree oil essential oils deterrent, fungicidal, antibacterial, antimicrobial not suitable suitable from 3 years externally

    Homeopathic and alternative treatment

    Anyone who relies on homeopathic remedies to help with grass mites can use special globules. These provide an over-the-counter alternative to chemical medicines that can be used to treat symptoms naturally. The recommended dose is five granules taken three to eight times a day. Regular use is said to relieve itching and soothe severely inflamed skin.

    These globules are used against itching:

    • Cardiospermum: Balloon plant - D12 globules
    • Apis mellifica: Honey bee - D6 globules

    Amber

    The fossil resin is considered an effective weapon in deterring grass mites. There are collars for dogs that are supposed to release ethereal scents when rubbed, thereby scaring off the annoying arachnids. Other theories say that the animal's fur is electrically charged by the friction and thus drives away the mites. Many dog owners swear by the effect, although this has not been confirmed.

    Prevent an infestation

    Postpone dog walks to the early hours of the morning when the larvae are less active. To protect yourself and your children, long clothing and high-top shoes should be worn. As a result, the larvae have little opportunity to crawl onto the skin. Since long trousers and sweaters are usually uncomfortable on hot summer days, you should take further preventive measures.

    Children: sprays or creams

    A good preventive measure are gentle, natural-based agents that work against annoying insects. Rub your child's legs and arms with a skin-friendly anti-mosquito cream. Children are often sensitive to essential oils, which is why the products should not smell too intense. It should also help to rub your palm over the skin every half hour. Because the larvae don't bite hard immediately when they land on the skin, they can be removed by rubbing them off.

    digression

    Citronella and eucalyptus oil

    Both oils contain essential fragrances that act as a deterrent to grass mites. Applying to the skin provides preventative protection that can last up to five hours. However, the oils should not be used on children. Respiratory problems and skin irritation may occur.

    Double sided tape

    A reliable protection against crawling grass mites is white adhesive tape, which has adhesive surfaces on both sides. Glue a strip over the shoe shaft so that it is completely surrounded. If the animals get on the shoe and crawl up, they stick to the band and die. You can also wrap tape around your wrist to be on the safe side. However, when the children roll around in the grass, this preventive measure reaches its limits.

    Pets: feed brewer's yeast

    Numerous pet owners swear by brewer's yeast as a natural means of preventing grass mite infestations, although its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. The B vitamins it contains, which accumulate in the subcutaneous tissue and change the smell of the skin, are said to be responsible for the positive effect. This change in smell is not perceived by humans, which probably led to doubts about the effect. Grass mites are said to perceive the smell, making the host unattractive.

    Good to know:

    • should be fed daily
    • suitable for dogs, cats and horses
    • Flavor reminiscent of cheese
    • Dogs and cats are fed one gram per ten kilograms of body weight daily

    About the animal

    Behind the pest known as grass mite hides a species of running mites that bears the scientific name Neotrombicula autumnalis. It has nothing to do with the actual grass mite (Bryobia graminum), which mainly feeds on plant juices. The dreaded grass mite is one of the parasitic mites that prey on animal and human hosts. Their bites can cause severe itching combined with reddening of the skin.

    Other names for the grass mite and their meaning:

    • autumn mite: Indication of season when it becomes troublesome
    • harvest mite: mainly occurs during harvest
    • hay mite: in the past, farmers were often bitten while making hay

    way of life

    Adult animals become active in favorable weather in April. They colonize the base of the stems of grasses and mosses in order to suck the plant sap out of the pathways. When there is heavy rainfall, the mites retreat up to half a meter into the ground. They prefer dry weather but can hardly survive in low humidity.

    The larva lives on the tops of moss pads and blades of grass. It can climb to a height of between five and 20 centimeters to wait for a suitable host. Grass mite larvae parasitize on creatures whose body temperature is between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius. They mainly target birds, rodents and domestic animals, which will besiege them for several days. Especially mice are attacked by the annoying pests.

    Humans also fall under the prey scheme of grass mites, although they are not among the main hosts. The mite larvae stay around humans for only a few hours to suck lymph and cell juices.

    This is what happens when you bite:

    • Mouthparts scratch skin
    • Saliva secretions, which dissolve the tissue, get into the wound
    • capillaries are rarely injured and blood sucked

    development

    Depending on the weather, the arachnids reproduce in warm seasons between spring and autumn. They can appear from April to October, with their peak season in Europe being between July and October. The non-parasitic females lay their eggs on the ground, from which larvae hatch after four weeks. The development from a larva to an adult takes place over three nymphal stages.

    After the newly hatched larvae have sucked their fill, they drop from the host and go into a state of dormancy, after which they molt several times. Adult mites survive the winter. They protect themselves against frost by retreating 60 to 90 centimeters deep into the ground. If the larvae hatch late in the year, they too can survive in the substrate.

    What do grass mites look like?

    The larvae cannot be seen with the naked eye because they grow to a maximum size of 0.3 millimeters. Their body is flattened at the rear end, colored orange-red and has a wide shield on the back. This is pentagonal in shape and studded with sensory hairs and feathered bristles. The six-legged larvae have long hair that they use to feel. With two double eyes, the insects can perceive their surroundings. They have strong jawed claws, each ending in a claw.

    Adult mites reach a size of two millimeters. Their body is heavily constricted behind the shoulder and is intensely red in color. The back is densely covered with bristles. Unlike the larvae, the adult mites use eight legs to move about.These are bristly hairy and each have two claws that are used to hold on.

    Where grass mites thrive

    Once the arachnids have gained a foothold in one location, they are difficult to get rid of. However, this only applies to natural habitats that offer dry and warm conditions for the autumn mites.

    Natural Occurrence

    The name grass mite indicates their habitat. The arachnid is distributed all over the world and inhabits open landscapes with low vegetation. In addition to meadows and agricultural land, this also includes gardens, which is why garden owners can also be bitten. Grass mites prefer regions with warm temperatures. The population density of the pests is very high in the Rhineland and in parts of Hesse and Bavaria.

    garden

    Supplying fresh topsoil can introduce grass mites into the garden. Before you order soil, you should inform yourself about the region. Choose sources that are outside of the main distribution areas. Grass mites can also enter the garden through domestic and wild animals or birds.

    Warblers love bright and warm surfaces, so they like to crawl on white paper.

    apartment and house

    Although the arachnids can get into the home through clothing or in the fur of pets, you don't have to worry about spreading the pest around the house. If, after sucking, the mites drop and land on the floor, they are not experiencing ideal living conditions. They die off after a short time.

    So that no grass mites get into the house:

    • Wash worn clothing in hot water
    • Thoroughly vacuum floors and carpets
    • Soap and shower off your body
    • clean shoes

    frequently asked Questions

    At what temperature do grass mites die?

    Grass mites have adapted to life on the soil surface. They seek out areas where the small-scale climate is optimal. The larvae prefer temperatures between 16 and 25 degrees Celsius, but the arachnids slowly become active at temperatures of ten degrees and above. If temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius prevail over a longer period of time, the larvae try to escape. However, the microscopically small creatures can survive temperatures of up to 45 degrees, provided these last only for a short time.

    As soon as temperatures drop into the single digits, the creatures retreat to the protective ground. The substrate usually does not freeze completely, so the grass mites survive the winter in a dormant state.

    How long do grass mites live?

    There is no clear knowledge about the exact lifespan of the autumn mite. The larvae need several weeks to develop into adults. Even if the arachnids can hibernate, it is not certain whether a female will survive several generations.

    How long do grass mites survive in the home?

    Grass mites and their larvae need relatively high humidity to survive. Between the leaves and blades of grass there is an average humidity of about 70 percent. The larvae feel particularly comfortable here. Nevertheless, they must be able to survive short-term fluctuations. On the host, the arachnids first have to crawl into the sheltered areas so that they are exposed to lower humidity.

    Humidity in apartments is usually between 40 and 60 percent. Although grass mites find optimal temperatures indoors, they cannot survive for more than 10 to 20 hours at a relative humidity of 50 percent.

    Do grass mites survive in bed?

    There is no danger of settling in the bed, since this environment does not correspond to the natural habitat. Unlike house dust mites, the larvae of autumn mites die off after a short time and cannot develop further. Adult grass mites do not look for a host and usually do not come into the apartment. If they do get lost there, they won't survive long in the unnatural environment either.

    Can grass mites be transmitted from animals to humans?

    A grass mite infestation is not usually contagious. When the arachnids have found a suitable host, they bite down on certain parts of the body. After soaking, they drop to go dormant. This rules out a renewed change of host from pets to humans. An infestation by the mite larvae only occurs when there is direct contact with the mite focus.

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