Grass mites are popularly denounced as the culprit for certain itchy bites. They are completely innocent of the symptoms that often last for weeks and that typically occur after spending time in nature. Who is actually behind this as a rule and how a remedy can be created is finally clarified in the following.

Grass mites are small but can cause serious allergic reactions

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. grass mite in humans
  3. Appearance of "grass mite bites"
  4. disease course and duration
  5. General countermeasures
  6. Danger and treatment of "grass mite bites"
  7. "Grass mite bites" in pets
  8. frequently asked Questions

    9. the essentials in brief

    • Grass mites don't bite people; Autumn mites do
    • Sliced lemons or onions and alcohol will disinfect the bite
    • Even if the bite is very itchy, avoid scratching as it can lead to inflammation
    • The bites can be dangerous for children and allergy sufferers

    Grass mite in humans?

    Itchy areas in the torso and intimate areas of the body are sometimes not diagnosed correctly. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that the culprit is hiding behind a conspecific. The fact that grass mites are often held responsible is due to a widespread definitional misunderstanding. To get things straight, grass mites are usually irrelevant to humans.

    The actual cause of the disease is the autumn mite, which also has a few other trivial names. These include, for example, autumn grass mite (particularly confusing), harvest mite, hay mite, grass louse, biter, ground louse or peach louse.

    The clinical picture that humans show when they are infested with autumn mites is called harvest scabies. Why? Because it is a typical phenomenon of the harvest season and was probably an all too well-known, unpleasant side effect of the actually happy, richly gifted phase in late summer and autumn in farming circles in earlier times. Alternatively, the harvest itch is also called hay itch, autumn bite or gooseberry disease.

    Actually, animals, especially mammals such as mice, other rodents, dogs or cats are parasitized by the "grass mite". Basically, humans serve the pests only as an alternative host - so to speak, when nothing better is available.

    digression

    Mites are spiders

    By the way: Like all mites, autumn and grass mites are not insects, but arachnids. This is easy to recognize from the eight legs of the adult animals. But be careful: Like insects, the larvae only have six legs! Incidentally, it is also the larvae that are important for animals and humans: because they are the ones that lay their hands on the skin and cause the itchy bites. Despite their tiny size, they can be seen with the naked eye.

    Here's a picture to give you an idea of the creatures:

    Grass mites are difficult to see with the naked eye

    And here is a brief overview of how to distinguish between autumn and grass mites:

    table:

    autumn mite grass mite
    zoological name Neotrombicula autumnalis Bryobio Gramineum
    Alternative common names Autumn grass mite, harvest mite, hay mite, grass louse, bite, ground louse, peach louse None
    Look Larvae up to 0.3 mm, oval, pale orange in color; adult animals up to 2 mm in size, broad dorsal shield, double eyes Significantly smaller than the autumn mite, larvae also have six legs, adults have eight legs
    relevance to humans Parasitic infection in late summer/autumn with frequent contact with grass, severe itching At most very occasional bites, these itch much less

    How can "grass mite bites" be recognized?

    Let's take a close look at the unsightly evil in order to be able to grab it by the forelock. Typical characteristics of autumn mite bites are as follows:

    • several scarlet wheals occurring at the same time, sometimes single larger ones, sometimes several small ones
    • preferably in areas close to the torso, in the intimate area and in the inner folds, preferably those with thin skin and under tight-fitting clothing. For example in the groin and loin area, under the armpits, in the hollow of the knee and in the crook of the arm or on the wrists and ankles
    • often severe itching that can last up to 2 weeks

    The characteristic places where the harvest scabies express themselves are the ideal attack points for the autumn mite larvae, because here they have little hard skin to penetrate and are offered a pleasantly warm and humid environment for them.

    The wheals are not stings, they are bites. The arachnids don't have a stinger, but bite through their skin with their mouthparts to get at nourishing cell juices and lymph. Animals don't suck blood. In order to tap into their food, they secrete a salivary secretion when they bite, which dissolves some of the skin tissue. The subsequent, defensive release of histamine causes the itching.

    How does the disease progress?

    It is not entirely trivial to attribute the itchy pustules to the autumn mites. This is also due to the time it takes for it to erupt. The itching only occurs about 24 hours after the bite, the pustules usually appear a little later.

    This is because the larvae can only create a so-called "pool", i.e. a channel to the cell juice and the lymph, by working on the skin several times with their mouthparts. In addition, the warmth of the bed promotes the formation of wheals, which is why it is easy to assume that fleas or bed bugs are the culprits. The layman often does not suspect that the hay harvest or the picnic in the meadow last weekend could have caused the "bites" that occurred later.

    The duration of itching and pustules

    So it takes about 1-2 days for the wheals to develop. But then some get down to business and severe itching sets in. However, some people react much less violently to the bites, which is why they sometimes go undetected. The itching, if present, can subside after 3-4 days, but sometimes lasts up to 2 weeks.

    Response varies depending on susceptibility

    The intensity of the reaction of the bitten person depends on the condition of the skin and the general sensitivity. People with soft, thin skin are more susceptible to the parasites anyway. Anyone who is also prone to allergies will also release more histamine in the event of an infestation and develop a more intensive defense reaction.

    Scratching makes the symptoms worse

    Scratching can really inflame the bite

    How the bitten person behaves is also relevant to the course of the disease. Anyone familiar with vermin stings and bites knows that scratching only makes things worse. Because 1. this distributes the injected foreign proteins and increases their sphere of action. And 2. Intense scratching can create small sores, which in turn can create a conduit for infections such as inflammation and other secondary skin conditions.

    General countermeasures

    In order to relieve the - as we now know: foreseeable - itching, you can first use normal home remedies and preparations from the pharmacy, which also help with insect bites. Examples are about:

    • Apply sliced lemon to affected areas to reduce inflammation and irritation
    • Treat with sliced onion
    • Disinfect and cool with 70% cosmetic alcohol, this will also kill any mites that are still present
    • Use antiallergic, soothing ointments
    • Use hydrocortisone preparations if necessary (prescription required in higher doses)

    tips

    You should also wash (several times) all the clothing you have worn in the last few days and your bed linen to remove any mites that may still be living on you!

    When are "grass mite bites" particularly dangerous? Indications and remedy

    Toddlers' skin is more sensitive than adults' and should be protected

    As a rule, an infestation of autumn mites is not really critical. This is because the larvae of the animals only feed on their host for a few days and then drop off in order to proceed to the next stage of development with the food they have eaten. They then become the nymph and then the adult mite, which then only feeds on plants.

    lymphedema

    The infestation can become problematic when secondary diseases occur as a result of intensive scratching and the resulting infections. Bacteria such as streptococci can enter the lymphatic vessels through small scratches and cause edema there. These manifest themselves in severe swelling and should be treated by a doctor, especially in people with a weak immune system.

    allergy sufferers

    Anyone who is generally prone to allergies also develops a stronger defense reaction to “grass mite stings” or autumn mite bites. The itching is stronger due to the larger amount of released histamine and blisters can form on the pustules.

    Countermeasures:

    Antihistamines can be helpful, especially for people with allergies. They alleviate the strong immune response and the associated itching and thereby also prevent superinfections.

    toddlers

    The problem with small children is often that they are still completely inexperienced and trusting in their dealings with the world and can therefore easily catch mite bites when playing in the grass. Also, it is harder for them to resist the intuitive scratching against the itch. This results in a higher risk of infection, which in turn is more dangerous for the juniors because of their still small body mass and less developed immune system.

    Countermeasures:

    Because children have difficulty mustering up the rational discipline to resist the itch, local itch relievers are initially useful: home remedies in the form of 70% cosmetic alcohol, lemon juice or onion juice, with which the areas are dabbed, can bring relief. However, medical support is certainly advisable at the same time. As with allergy sufferers, antihistamines can reduce itching and the risk of infection from scratching.

    "Grass mite bites" in pets

    As previously mentioned, mammals are much more affected by harvest dross than humans. Mice are the favorite prey of autumn mite larvae, but dogs, cats or horses can also become victims.

    The signs of an infestation are basically no different than ours: the animal suffers from discomfort and scratches, licks and shakes itself incessantly. And scratching can also lead to open, inflamed spots in the four-legged friends. This can be a problem, especially with bites on the head and the eye.

    dogs

    Dogs are also often bitten by grass mites

    Many dogs love to dig in the ground with their paws and muzzle and follow their instincts. In late summer and autumn they offer the hatching autumn mite larvae ideal opportunities to jump up: their snouts, paws and ears are welcome inns for their time up to the nymphstydium.

    cats

    Even free-roaming cats that like to roam through tall grass can be attacked by autumn mites. Basically, the same indicators and treatment options apply here.

    remedy

    If you notice any of the above behavioral signs in your dog, you should examine them for mites. To do this, comb the fur against the grain in vulnerable areas (ears, paws) and look out for the tiny, orange-red animals. Although they are small, they are clearly visible to the naked eye. In order to be able to spot them better (this is not easy with reddish fur), you can also spread a white pad under the combing station and observe whether orange-red dots collect there. Of course, you should also check for pustules on the skin.

    So-called repellents are recommended as a preventive measure. They are available in spray or powder form and can be used during the autumn mite season between July and October.

    help

    First of all, you should give your four-legged friend a thorough shower and also thoroughly clean his blankets, pillows and basket. If your darling suffers too much from the itch, you can also use special, itch-relieving animal ointments.

    As a rule, however, an autumn mite infestation in pets does not really require treatment because the mite larvae fall off again after 3-4 days.

    frequently asked Questions

    What helps with inflammation caused by "grass mite bites"?

    Autumn mite bites can be really, really itchy. Hats off to those who can control themselves and don't scratch. However, most will not be able to resist the acute relief. If the scratching is too intense, small injuries can quickly lead to inflammation, which causes even more problems.

    Redness, pain and, above all, imminent secondary infections can best be alleviated or prevented by disinfection. Cosmetic alcohol (70% from the pharmacy) or the good old household remedies such as the sliced lemon or onion halves are well suited for this. All of this also has a pleasantly cooling and thus irritation-relieving effect. By the way, raw potatoes are also an option not to be scoffed at. A poultice with diluted vinegar can also help.

    Is a grass mite infestation contagious?

    An infestation of autumn mites is not contagious in the classic sense. First of all, it is not an infection.

    Nevertheless, an infected person can theoretically "supply" another person with the vermin. The autumn mite larvae usually bite into the skin once and fall off again when they have satisfied their appetite. However, it can also happen that individuals are prematurely stripped of their clothing or bedding. If someone else comes into contact with the textiles, they can become a new victim for the mite larvae.

    Is it grass mite or flea bites?

    The grouped pustules that are produced by autumn mites are easily confused with flea bites. In order to get clarity about who the culprit is, you can first conduct your own investigations:

    Basically, there is a higher risk of flea infestations if you are a pet owner. If you suspect that your bites could also come from fleas, inspect your four-legged friend. If you find fleas on him, too, you've already got a lot of clarity.

    Nevertheless, you should also consult your dermatologist. Here, based on a thorough medical history, a reliable diagnosis can be made and the appropriate therapy can be initiated.

Category:

Animals in the garden