Ordering

Mites are a separate category of animal organisms, with a simpler biological cycle and morphology than insects. They usually have four pairs of legs and, unlike insects, do not have functional jaws but have organelles in their mouths called chelating agents and footprints. Their body, in general, is single and resembles that of spiders. In stored agricultural products and food, Astigmata are found mainly, but also Prostigmata and Metastigmata. They have an extremely large cycle of food preferences while several species are blood-sucking. 

Biology

Biology varies by species. Whale mites, for example Astigmata, can easily grow into large populations, and when conditions are unfavorable for them to grow, they transform into pods, a form that is highly resistant.

In general, house mites are associated with conditions of increased humidity, although there are species, such as Tyrophagus putrescentiae (perhaps the most numerous species of house mites in our country) that can grow at lower relative humidity. Species that are predators, both mites and insects, are often recorded, as are many species of the Cheyletidae family.

An important category of mites are the “house” mites, the most important being Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Pyroglyphidae) which is the “dust mite”. In addition, it should be mentioned that this also includes bloodsucking mites or mites that feed on the skin or the area under it (Dermanyssidae, Laelapidae, Macronyssidae, Sarcoptidae, etc.).

Finally, ticks (Argasidae and Ixodidae) are also classified in this category.

Health Significance

The importance of mites for public health is very great. First of all, the mites found in food are pollutants and also carry fungi, causing serious quality degradation. Also, their presence in places, in products and food, is associated with allergies and skin diseases. Dust mites are the leading cause of asthma in humans and can also cause shortness of breath, dermatitis, etc. Blood-sucking mites are most common in mammals and birds and are very common in humans, causing severe itching and dermatitis.

Finally, ticks, in addition to direct sucking of blood in humans and mammals, are carriers of several diseases, such as Lyme disease, Tick paralysis, Q fever, Piroplasmosis, Mediterranean macular degeneration, etc.

Management Ways

Prevention: For most species, with the exception of bloodsuckers, it is recommended as a preventive measure to reduce the humidity in the room and the product. For bloodsuckers, it is recommended to take measures related to the cleanliness of the area and to prevent the entry of mites. In the case of ticks, which live in vegetation (when out of host) in addition to individual protection measures, meticulous cleaning should be applied, in combination with herbicides.

Follow-up: In general, the detection of mites is very difficult, due to their biology and their small body size. So, although there are pitfalls to detect, this should be done by experienced and qualified personnel. In many cases, the detection is done a posteriori, ie based on the symptoms.

Treatment: Some insecticides also have a significant effect on mites. At the same time, there are several approved acaricides, which should be applied as appropriate. In the case of mites, chemical methods are also used that are also used against insects, although many are already highly resistant to formulations and doses that are usually effective for insects.

In the case of blood-sucking species, such as ticks, there are various preparations that can be applied as repellents. Finally, it is emphasized once again that cleanliness, proper hygiene conditions and the reduction of humidity have an important contribution to the treatment.

In some cases, such as dust mites, given that asthma and other disorders are more due to their derivatives (particles, secretions, excretions, etc.) and not to the mites themselves, it is recommended to remove them frequently with cleaning (eg special brooms).