Re: Advice needed for mites.

Rodent mites can be found in homes where rats or mice are abundant or where rodents have recently died. Several common rodent mites have been known to occasionally bite humans.

The tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti, is neither truly tropical nor exclusively feeds on rats. This mite can live for up to 10 days off its host and is capable of traveling great distances to find new food sources. In habitats where rodents have been killed, the mites will leave their dead hosts, congregate around heat sources, such as hot pipes and stoves and seek alternative food sources, including humans. The bite of these mites often causes tiny, clear blisters which is accompanied by a rash. However, they are not known to vector any human diseases.

The house mouse mite, Liponyssides sanguineus has a worldwide distribution but is more common in the U.S. in the northeastern states. It is normally a nest dweller and only occurs on the host when feeding. It will attack humans if rodent hosts are not available. This mite is of medical importance because it vectors Rickettsia akari, the rickettsial pox in humans. Fortunately, this disease is relatively rare in the United States and there have not been any known cases in Minnesota.

Another rodent mite which occasionally bites people is the spiny rat mite, Laelaps echidnina. This is probably the most common mite occurring on Norway rats and roof rats in the U.S. It is not a known vector of pathogens.

Control

The easiest method to control bird or rodent mites that have entered your home is to physically remove them with a vacuum cleaner or wipe them up with a moist cloth. Mites are not automatically killed by a vacuum cleaner so freeze the bag to prevent the mites from crawling back out.

To prevent further problems with these mites, it is important to eliminate their hosts and any nests.


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