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Household Insects
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Clover Mites
-by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension
Unit
Almost microscopic in size, these reddish or brown mites are found
in great numbers on window sills, counters and other places in the
home as outside temperatures get warmer. Clover mites are most often
found in rooms on the south or west side of a house.
If you smash clover mites, they leave rust-colored streaks. They
don't cause damage indoors, but are a nuisance and the streaks they
make when crushed leave small stains. To prevent stains, vacuum up
the mites carefully or gently remove them with a wet towel. These
mites don't bite people or transmit any human diseases, and very
seldom damage plants.
When outdoor temperatures are about 78 degrees Fahrenheit in spring
and early summer, large numbers of clover mites hatch and leave the
lawns where eggs were laid. They congregate on the south and west
sides of light-colored buildings to gather warmth. When temperatures
fall at night, they may move indoors.
Clover mites can easily enter houses, because they are small enough
to go through screens. The best way to prevent an infestation is to
eliminate grass and other vegetation in a strip two to three feet
wide around the foundation of the house. There are some plants which
will not attract mites and can be planted in this strip. They
include zinnias, salvia, roses, marigolds, chrysanthemums, petunias,
junipers, yews and spruce.
If changing the landscape to discourage clover mites isn't
practical, chemicals may be used. Apply an outdoor insecticide such
as diazinon or malathion in a 15- to 20-foot band around the house.
Thoroughly wet the grass with the insecticide.
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Dust Mites
-by Dennis Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit
These pests are primarily microscopic. Dust mites are common in all
homes, but their presence usually goes unnoticed. There are more
than 150 types of dust mites, and they can live on very small
amounts of household debris.
Normally, these pests cause no problems to humans. However, some
people are sensitive to them, either from breathing them or from
skin contact. Those mites on human skin don't damage or burrow into
skin, but can cause discomfort as they move across it.
It is impossible to remove all dust particles from a home, but by
reducing the amount of dust you can cut down the number of dust
mites. Good sanitation, electronic air filters and water vacuums
help reduce the mite population. There is no conclusive evidence
that dust mites can be chemically controlled. Itch mites (scabies)
burrow into the human skin, where they lay their eggs. While the
mites are generally unseen, their effects are very evident. They
cause intense skin irritation, which spreads. Detection and control
of itch mites should be left to a physician.
The "might-be" pests are also known as entomophobia, pseudo-mites or
delusory parasitosis. At this time of year, as the climate in houses
becomes drier and skin is exposed to temperature extremes indoors
and outdoors, many people's skin becomes irritated. Symptoms are
very real, but no insects are involved. Proper skin care and
consulting a dermatologist will help determine if the irritation is
due to insects or climate changes.
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