The Types of Mites You’ll Meet in Bradenton, Florida (and How to Kick Them Out)

If you’ve ever felt like something invisible is crawling on your skin or you’ve woken up scratching your ankles, you might be dealing with one of the many types of mites living rent-free in your home, yard, or even on your pets. These microscopic freeloaders love Bradenton’s warm, humid climate almost as much as tourists love the beaches—and unlike tourists, they don’t leave.

Key Takeaways

Florida’s year-round warmth is paradise for mites—whether they’re bugging your skin, tormenting your pets, sucking the life out of your plants, or sneaking into your house through every tiny gap they can find. Knowing which mite you’re up against helps you fight smarter (and itch less).

Mites That Mess with People

House Dust Mites

If your allergies flare up every time you make your bed, meet your invisible roommates: house dust mites. These microscopic pests don’t bite, but they snack on your dead skin cells and leave behind allergy-triggering waste. Gross, right?
They thrive in bedding, couches, and carpets—pretty much anywhere cozy and slightly damp. Keeping indoor humidity below 70%, washing your sheets weekly, and vacuuming with a HEPA filter can make a big difference.

Scabies Mites

Scabies mites are like the uninvited guests who move in and burrow. Literally. They tunnel under your skin, causing relentless itching and a rash that usually shows up around wrists, elbows, or the waistline. They spread through close contact (think family members or crowded spaces), so it’s not a “you” problem—it’s a proximity problem. Only a doctor can treat scabies effectively, so skip the home remedies and get professional help.

Bird and Rodent Mites

When a bird’s nest on your eaves or a rodent in your attic goes vacant, the mites living on them go looking for new hosts—you. These bites are red, itchy, and can drive you wild for weeks. The fix: remove bird nests, seal up entry cracks, and manage rodent problems before they turn into full-blown infestations.

Straw Itch Mites

Working with hay, wood, or grain? These mites might show up like uninvited coworkers. They can bite through thin clothing, leaving small red welts that itch like crazy. Protective gear helps, and washing up after exposure keeps the misery to a minimum.

Chiggers

Bradenton folks know this one: chiggers are tiny red mites that hang out in tall grass or shady areas. They latch onto your skin, inject saliva, and leave you itching for days. They’re most active in the warm months, so protect yourself with long sleeves and insect repellent when you’re outside. If you do get bitten, wash up right away and use anti-itch creams to avoid infection.

Mites That Torment Pets

Our furry companions aren’t safe either. Dogs and cats in Florida often battle mites that cause everything from itchy ears to full-body mange.

• Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): Causes intense scratching, hair loss, and crusty skin—starting around the ears and belly. It spreads easily between animals (and can even give you a temporary rash).
• Demodex Mites: These normally harmless mites can overgrow and cause red, patchy bald spots, especially in stressed or young pets.
• Ear Mites: If your pet is shaking its head and scratching like it’s got rhythm, check for dark discharge in its ears.

All of these require vet care—no amount of home shampooing will solve it. A clean environment, regular grooming, and keeping infested pets isolated are your best defenses.

Mites That Attack Your Plants and Garden

Florida gardens are paradise for plant-eating mites. These pests don’t care how much love you pour into your hibiscus or citrus trees—they’re here for the buffet.

• Spider Mites: The drama queens of garden pests. They suck sap from leaves, leaving tiny yellow speckles and webbing that makes your plants look like Halloween décor in May. They love the hot, dry months, especially April through June in Bradenton.
  Blast them with water, encourage predatory insects (like ladybugs), and use miticides or insecticidal soap when needed.
• Citrus Rust Mites: These hit your oranges and grapefruits, bronzing the fruit and hurting flavor and appearance. Horticultural oils and proper timing of sprays can keep them in check.
• Eriophyid Gall Mites: These weird, worm-like mites distort new plant growth and cause leaf curl or blistering. Trim away the damage and treat with a labeled miticide.

Keeping your plants hydrated and dust-free helps slow down infestations naturally. Think of it as self-care—for your garden.

Mites That Invade Homes and Buildings

Some mites just can’t take a hint and march right into your house.

• Clover Mites: These tiny red dots swarm your walls, windows, and patios—especially in spring and fall. They don’t bite, but they’re annoying and leave red stains when squished. Create an 18–24-inch plant-free zone around your home and seal gaps to keep them out.
• Bird and Rodent Mites (Encore Edition): When birds or rodents nest in your roof or attic, their mites can migrate indoors and bite people while searching for warmth. Remove the nests and treat entry points.
• Rodent Mites: If you’ve had a mouse problem recently, these little vampires might be your next headache. Getting rid of the rodents usually ends the problem.

Cleanliness is your best defense: vacuum regularly, trim back vegetation, and seal every entry point you can find. If mites make it inside, professional pest treatment can knock them out fast.

Key Local Insight for Bradenton & Sarasota Residents

Florida’s humidity is like a luxury spa for mites. Between the sea breeze, tropical landscaping, and cozy attics, there’s no shortage of hiding places. Preventing infestations starts with reducing moisture, keeping things clean, and getting professional help when needed. Waves Pest Control knows the local pests inside and out—and that means faster relief and lasting protection for your home, pets, and plants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)