Infestations of wood mites can destroy both your timber and your attitude. However, there are easy ways to eliminate them permanently.
Humans should not be overly concerned about wood mites. They won’t harm your house in any way, won’t bite, and won’t poison you. However, the minute hairs that they shed can cause allergic reactions in certain people.
It is important to recognize wood mites if you suspect you have an infestation in your home. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of wood mites.
What Do Wood Mites Look Like?
Tiny bugs called wood mites call wet wood their home. Having “mites” is usually nothing to worry about because most of them are completely harmless.
They are tiny insects that look a lot like bed bugs, but they won’t hurt anyone unless someone gets bit.
However, they should be exterminated since they spread sickness and bacteria throughout the home.
As arachnids, wood mites are not insects. They share more similarities with ticks, which are also linked to spiders, than with any other kind of insects or arachnids.
Wood mites resemble ticks and can be a variety of colours and patterns. You can see right through these bugs. The average length of a wood mite is only about 0.5 mm.
Read also:Â What Makes the Wood Spider a Fascinating Creature?
What is the Habitat of the Wood Mites?
Indoor wood mites typically conceal themselves in wood when they aren’t actively migrating to your plants. Wood mites and ants both frequently leave behind tracks. You can observe if they are huddled together at the end of their silky trail.
- Baseboards
- Christmas trees
- Old furniture
- Under electrical wiring
- Near plumbing, and a
- Anywhere there is extra moisture
These are all potential hiding places for these pests. Try inspecting the outside of the house for signs of entry, such as cracks or holes.
What are the Causes of a Wood Mite Infestation?
- Presence of Moisture:
Decay and moisture in wooden furniture, fixtures, or structural parts of a home are major factors that can lead to wood mite infestations. Tiny wood bugs like mould and mildew, are two foods that grow abundantly in damp conditions.
- Poor Moisture Control:
Lack of attention to moisture control in the home can also lead to bug problems. Increased humidity levels like those caused by leaks, condensation buildup, and poor ventilation are a magnet for wood mites.
- Disruption During Renovation:
In addition, dust and debris from home improvements can unknowingly bring mite-infested items into your home.
What Attracts Wood Mites?
Wood mites are drawn to two unusual things besides wet wood. Rattlesnakes and cigars. They frequently congregate near reptile displays. This also applies to other species of reptiles housed in comparable conditions.
Cigar humidors are prime real estate for wood mites since cigars are stored there. You need to handle them with care and ensure they are safe by frequently inspecting for mites.
Avoiding the need to research wood mite control measures is facilitated by this.
How Do You Get Rid of a Wood Mite Infestation in Your Home?
- Regular Vacuuming:
One of the best ways to get rid of wood mites from furniture and other household objects is to vacuum them regularly.
You may stop mites from multiplying and spreading by carefully cleaning and vacuuming dust from contaminated places.
Use a vacuum with a powerful suction to get into the small, tight spaces where dust mites like to hide. A shop vacuum with hose attachments would be ideal for this task.
It’s crucial to remember that vacuuming isn’t always enough to get rid of an infestation, and that badly infested things may need to be thrown away.
- Dispose of Infested Wood:
Removing and disposing of infested wood is one of the most effective ways to get rid of a wood mite infestation.
By taking this important measure, you can stop the spread of these annoying pests and protect your home from additional damage.
Wood mite infestations might be so bad that the contaminated item needs to be thrown away. Secure the damaged items in strong trash bags before taking them to an appropriate landfill.
This will help prevent the mites from spreading throughout your home. If possible, freezing an item that has been moderately damaged by these insects is a safe alternative to using dangerous pesticides.
- Apply Insecticides:
If you have a problem with wood mites, you may find that treating the area with insecticide or using natural solutions is helpful.
You can get a variety of pesticide sprays formulated to kill or repel mites in home and garden centres.
Read also:Â Wood Wasp Sting: Identification and How to Get Rid
How Can You Get Rid of Wood Mites Naturally?
- Diatomaceous Earth:
It has the same effect as boric acid but is much more powerful. If it works, it will be effective quickly. It can be sprinkled about the plants to kill the mites and help them dry up rapidly.
- Boric Acid:
Insects, particularly wood mites, are no match for boric acid. Knowing exactly where the wood mites are located is crucial to the success of this procedure.
You can provide your plants with nourishment by spraying the soil surrounding them. Wood mites can also be removed with baking soda and hot water.
- Essential Oil:
Essential oils have a negative effect on insects. The cinnamon in particular. Therefore, it is quite effective to spray essential oil on the wood they dwell in or the plants they consume.
Essential oils have a pleasant aroma, so this is fantastic news.
How Can You Prevent Wood Mites in Your Home?
- Ensure to Seal Cracks and Crevices:
Sealing off holes and openings like those around doors, windows, and pipes is the first step in preventing a wood mite infestation.
It’s crucial to properly seal everything, as these tiny pests can enter through the slightest of crevices.
These openings can be easily sealed with caulk and weatherstripping. To further ensure that these unwanted visitors are kept out of your home, you should check the exterior for any cracks or gaps in the foundation.
- Ensure to Store Firewood Properly:
Keeping wood mites at bay requires careful storage of firewood. Firewood needs to be stored above the ground and under a tarp to avoid getting wet or snowed on.
Wood mites can be prevented from settling into your firewood stack by keeping it dry and allowing for adequate airflow through the stack.
- Ensure to Inspect Incoming Wood For Mites:
Wood mite infestations can be avoided if the incoming wood is inspected and treated prior to storage. This is especially important for firewood, as mite eggs can be easily transferred.
New logs should be inspected carefully for symptoms of infestation like tiny holes or sawdust on the surface before being brought inside.
- Ensure Adequate Moisture Control:
Wood mite infestations can be avoided with proper moisture management. Damp, aged wood and other wood-based detritus are magnets for wood mites.
Wood mites, termites, and other wood-destroying organisms can all be avoided with frequent moisture monitoring.
In order to prevent pests like wood mites, it is important to inspect areas for leaks or inadequate insulation on a regular basis. Keeping your house clean and tidy also goes a long way toward warding off bugs.
Read also:Â Termite Larvae: Identification, Behaviour and Control
Conclusion
Infestations of wood mites can become serious and challenging to treat on your own at times. Here is when it could make sense to consult an expert.
Mite identification and infestation assessment are two of the most common services offered by pest control firms. However, before getting outside assistance, you should take some precautionary measures.
Vacuuming and washing down surfaces on a regular basis can go a long way toward preventing further infestations.
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