Pest guide

Mites

Mites are tiny arachnids — relatives of spiders and ticks. Most species are harmless or beneficial, but a handful (dust mites, clover mites, spider mites, bird mites) cause allergic reactions, plant damage, or skin irritation around the home.

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01 — Identification

What mites look like

Size

Mostly microscopic; 0.2–0.4 mm. Clover mites are visible specks; spider mites leave fine webbing.

Color

Translucent (dust mites), bright red (clover, spider), pale (bird mites).

Shape

Eight legs as adults (six as larvae); rounded body with no clear segmentation.

How to tell them apart

Dust mites: invisible to the eye; identified by allergy symptoms and dust panel tests.
Clover mites: tiny red dots crawling on windowsills in spring.
Spider mites: pale stippling and fine webbing on houseplant leaves.

02 — Life cycle

How they grow and reproduce

Most pest mites complete egg-to-adult in 1–3 weeks under warm conditions, allowing rapid population growth.

1
Egg
3–8 days
Laid on fabric, leaves, or in dust.
2
Larva
1–3 days
Six-legged immature stage.
3
Nymph
3–7 days
Eight-legged; one or two instars.
4
Adult
1–4 weeks
Females lay 20–100 eggs.

03 — Risks & behavior

What to watch for

Health risks

Dust mite feces are a leading indoor allergen and asthma trigger.
Bird and rodent mites bite humans when their host nest is abandoned.
Scabies and demodex mites cause skin conditions (require medical treatment).

Home & property risks

Spider mites yellow and kill houseplants and garden crops.
Clover mite invasions stain walls and curtains when crushed.

Behavior at a glance

Diet

Dust mites eat shed skin flakes. Spider mites pierce plant cells. Bird mites feed on blood.

When active

Dust mites peak in humidity above 50%. Clover mites swarm in spring and fall.

Peak season

Year-round indoors; outdoor species peak in spring (clover) or hot, dry summers (spider).

Reducing indoor humidity below 50% suppresses dust mites significantly.
Bird mite problems start after birds vacate a nest attached to the house.

04 — Treatment

How to get rid of mites

Target the specific mite — humidity control for dust mites, miticide spray for plants, source removal for bird mites.

1
Wash bedding weekly in 130°F+ water and encase mattresses in mite-proof covers.
2
Run a dehumidifier and HEPA filter in bedrooms.
3
Spray a microfine mite spray on upholstered furniture, plant leaves, or affected surfaces.
4
Remove abandoned bird/rodent nests and treat the area with residual spray.