Anyone who discovers redness on the skin immediately thinks of mosquito bites. Other culprits also trigger this reaction. After a walk through tall grass, for example, grass mite bites can be the trigger. Here we show you how to recognize the symptoms of grass mite bites.

In a nutshell

  • caused by grass mite larvae
  • Symptoms: itching, reddening of the skin, swelling
  • rarely allergic reaction
  • Treatment with home remedies, ointments or mosquito spray

Where do grass mite bites come from?

Grass mite bites come from the larvae of the grass mite (Neotrombicula autumnalis). The reddish arachnids are active from June to October. They are only about 0.2 mm in size and can therefore hardly be seen with the naked eye. Unlike the adult grass mites that live underground, the larvae colonize the tips of blades of grass. There they lurk for animals or people walking barefoot or in short clothes through the grass. The larvae then migrate up the legs and bite into thin-skinned, warm, moist areas. You can find them particularly often

  • behind the knees
  • strip
  • pubic area
  • armpits
  • ankle
  • lower leg
  • navel

They use their sickle-shaped mouthparts to penetrate the top layer of skin. Then they inject enzymes that dissolve the skin so the larvae can suck up cell sap and lymph.

Grass mite bite: symptoms

People do not notice the bite of the grass mites at first. The consequences only become apparent about 24 hours after the bite, when the grass mite has already left the body. Grass mite bites are smaller and more painful than mosquito bites, and there are usually many small bites next to each other. They are often accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • itchy skin
  • skin redness
  • small swellings in the bite area
  • small hard wheals
  • swollen pustules that contain water blisters
  • in very sensitive people: rash (not just locally around the bite site); fever
  • with grass mite allergy: blisters at bite sites
Grass mite bites usually show up as small red blisters on the skin.

The symptoms are most pronounced in the first three days after the grass mite bite. However, they usually subside after 10 to 14 days at the latest.

Notice: If the symptoms last longer than two weeks, if unusual symptoms occur or if they are very intense, you should also see a doctor if you have been bitten by grass mites. He can prescribe you antibiotics if necessary.

Grass mite bite: treating symptoms

Basically, bites from grass mites are harmless because they do not transmit any diseases. Nevertheless, the itching associated with the bite is often very unpleasant. A quick remedy then creates about

  • disinfectant
  • lemon juice
  • onion juice
  • salt water
  • hot spoon on bite site
  • Anti-Bite Heat Sticks
  • cortisone ointment
  • Anti-histamine tablet
  • cooling ointment/cream from the pharmacy

Notice: Never scratch the affected areas. This is how you distribute only the foreign objects. In addition, bacteria can penetrate the open areas and then cause inflammation.

Prevent

In order not to have to deal with symptoms of grass mite bites in the first place, it is best to take preventive measures. Ideally, you should wear long clothes for the next walk. However, because of the high temperatures, this is not always the ideal solution. Alternatively recommended

  • Mosquito repellent with active ingredients Deet or Icaridin
  • shower after walk
  • change and wash clothes

However, it is not only high grass on walks that is affected. Grass mites can also nest in your own garden. There you should fight the grass fleas. In order to deprive grass mite larvae of this habitat as early as possible, you should regularly

  • cut the lawn
  • pour
  • scarify
  • Dispose of lawn away from home
  • for a few affected areas: pour out boiling water or spray neem or rapeseed oil
Regular lawn mowing prevents grass mite infestation.

Tip: If you want to check if your lawn is affected by grass mites, place a piece of white paper on the grass on a sunny day. If after a while it is occupied by red animals, then your lawn is infested.

frequently asked Questions

Who is particularly affected by symptoms of grass mite bite?

Allergy sufferers and children are particularly affected. The latter in particular because they quickly give in to the urge to scratch open the bite. As a result, the bite heals slowly and, in the worst case, further inflammation can occur.

What to do if the grass mites appear in my bed?

To avoid this, you should wash your clothes immediately after a walk and take a shower yourself. If the grass mites still get into the bed, you should clean the bed linen thoroughly. You can put the pillow and blanket in the freezer. Alternatively, you can also wait and see, grass mites only survive indoors for a few days.

How do I protect my pet from grass mite bites?

Spray your darling with mosquito spray before the walk. After that, you should give your pet a thorough shower. However, if you notice that your pet is constantly scratching or licking an area, you should consult a doctor. They can prescribe anti-inflammatory ointments.

Do the mites die off after frost?

Yes, grass mites do not survive frost. After that, you can safely walk through tall grass again.

Category:

Garden pests