15 Ways to Kill Mites
Compare Common Substances Used Against Mites
Folks are always asking me which pesticides and common household sprays can kill things like bird mites, rodent mites, cheyletiella mites and springtails. All of the substances listed on this page are valuable in their own unique way, but it's important to remember that mites can get under carpeting and infest wall voids where sprays can't reach. They can come out of hiding to attack when pesticides wear off. This is why so many people must remove their carpeting to conquer chronic mite problems, especially in homes with multiple pets. Mites can also hang out on walls and ceilings, making them difficult to reach with traditional spray protocols. For this reason, a good fog machine may be necessary to help pest control fluids settle upon walls, coat ceilings and penetrate unseen crevices. Before fogging, it is vital to turn off pilot lights, disable smoke alarms and air out the house for four hours before returning.
Each product listed on this page has unique features that mite warriors should take into account. Before using any name brand pesticide, it's important to read instructions and call the manufacturer if you have questions. It's likely that you'll need more than one product on your journey to wellness, as mite problems must be attacked from many different angles.
Each product listed on this page has unique features that mite warriors should take into account. Before using any name brand pesticide, it's important to read instructions and call the manufacturer if you have questions. It's likely that you'll need more than one product on your journey to wellness, as mite problems must be attacked from many different angles.
1. Alcohol
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Alcohol may be used to deliver a quick contact kill, but the mite must get a direct wet hit, and there will be no residual killing or repelling effects when it dries. When you clean a targeted area with alcohol, there will be no special smells left behind to discourage critters from returning to sprayed territory. If there are no mites on the surface you're currently cleaning, the product will do no good whatsoever.
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2. Windex
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Windex may be used to deliver a quick contact kill, but the mite must get a direct wet hit, and there will be no residual killing or repelling effects when it dries. When you clean a targeted area with Windex, there will be no special smells left behind to discourage critters from returning to sprayed territory. If there are no mites on the surface you're currently cleaning, the product will do no good whatsoever.
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3. Bleach
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A bleach solution may be used to deliver a quick contact kill, but the mite must get a direct wet hit, and there will be no residual killing or repelling effects when it dries. When you clean a targeted area with a bleach mixture, there will be no special smells left behind to discourage critters from returning to sprayed territory. If there are no mites on the surface you're currently cleaning, the product will do no good whatsoever. Bleach can also ruin your carpets, wood floors and furniture.
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4. Apple Cider Vinegar: The Secret Attractant
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Apple cider vinegar is the "secret ingredient" used in traps designed to attract fruit flies and fungus gnats. Mold mites and springtails adore the smell of it and may flock to treated areas. Before you spray wide areas with apple cider vinegar, be sure you know the species of mite you're dealing with. You could create a situation where mites from your bathroom are now invading your bedroom because of the residual odors you've created. If a mite receives a direct wet hit of apple cider vinegar, it may die.
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5. Enzyme Cleaner: The Gentlest Organic Pesticide for Sensitive People
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Not everyone can handle living among alcohol, bleach and vinegar fumes. Kleen Green is a natural, odor free enzyme cleaner that causes insects to molt (shed their outer coating) prematurely. By contrast, chemical pesticides attack the nervous system of an insect. Multiple studies have shown that insects can develop a resistance to standard chemicals. This doesn't happen with pesticides that work by physically attacking the exoskeleton. The best and worst thing about Kleen Green is the lack of fumes. There's no smell whatsoever, which makes it a beautiful choice for the treatment of baby cribs, hospital beds and classroom surfaces. On the downside, Kleen Green has no residual effects. When the formula dries, it won't continue to repel mites or control insect issues on sprayed surfaces. It won't act as a skin repellent for environmental parasites such as bird or rodent mites, but it's a popular skin treatment for burrowing mites such as scabies. Wide area treatment of carpeting is fine, as this product is gentle enough for the whole family.
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6. Essential Oils: The Organic Pesticide with Residual Repelling Effects
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Many different essential oils can provide a contact kill, provided that the mite gets a direct wet hit. More importantly, essential oils leave behind powerful and lasting smells to repel critters from sprayed territory. Some of the most notable insect controlling oils include tea tree, cedar, lavender, lemongrass and eucalyptus. If you wish to experiment with essential oils, it's best to buy an economy pack of pure therapeutic grade oils. The pack pictured at left is my favorite for mixing various formulas, and you get all of these oils for under $20.00. For advanced fogging agendas and total home treatment, it's best to purchase essential oil pesticide formulas that are mixed with other ingredients and designed for use with fog machines. For mixing skin formulas, I like the economy packs because they give the user the ability to blend wonderful perfume scents. We don't necessarily want to go to work smelling like tea tree or eucalyptus, right? Essential oils may be blended with carrier agents such as aloe, coconut oil, witch hazel or vodka. The thickness of your carrier agent will depend on the type of product you wish to make. For salves that stick to the skin and provide long lasting residual effects, try coconut oil or aloe. To create a spray, try vodka or witch hazel.
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7. Essential Oil Diffuser
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A good essential oil diffuser is more likely to drive mites from a given area than to kill them. A diffuser may cause mites to transfer up walls, spread across ceilings, hide under carpets, get behind baseboards or vacate a room all together. That's not exactly a bad thing if you want to drive critters away from resting areas! Some clients enjoy placing diffusers on the floor near couches and beds. If mites are deeply embedded in cushions, the fumes from a diffuser are not likely to reach them. For this reason, I would recommend flipping your couch over and tearing off the thin, protective cloth underneath. Point the nozzle of a high quality fog machine into the cavity of the couch. You may also point the nozzle of a fog machine under your bed to ensure that pest control fluids settle upon the underside of your mattress or box spring cavity. Diffusers are wonderful to have around, but they aren't bona fide pest control devices, nor are they labeled as such.
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8. The Most Aggressive Essential Oil Formula for Total Home Treatment and Fog Machines
Click image to get manufacturer coupon.
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Dr. Ben's Evictor is an organic formula that can be applied to humans, dogs, couches, carpets and furniture. It contains hydrated silica to dry out the insect's exoskeleton and cedar oil to shut down the insect's breathing pores. It works by attacking the insect's exoskeleton, respiratory system and central nervous system at the same time. It also dehydrates and dissolves insect eggs, larvae and pupae on contact. On the downside, this product has a distinct aroma that can be overpowering if you choose to fog. A mask is delivered with fog machines ordered through the company, and instructions are given to air out the house for a few hours before returning. On the positive side, this product leaves behind a strong cedar aroma to repel mites from sprayed territory. It's a nice skin repellent for biting insects, a safe flea treatment for dogs and a popular leave-on treatment for burrowed mites. Wide area treatment of carpeting is fine, as Dr. Ben's Evictor is classified by the EPA as a low risk pesticide. This product won't stain clothing or furniture made of fabric. Fogging protocols are highly recommended for environmental mite cases, as bird and rodent mites can transfer to walls and ceilings to avoid carpets that have been treated with pesticides. The dry fog will settle upon walls, coat ceilings and penetrate unseen crevices that typical spray protocols don't reach.
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9. Fog Machine: How to Know if You Need One
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The need for a fog machine depends on the type of mite your'e battling and the level of the infestation. Before fogging, it is vital to turn off pilot lights, disable smoke alarms and air out the house for four hours before returning.
Dust Mites: A fog machine is not necessary, as these mites are connected to carpets, couches and bedding. Simply spray the affected area with an enzyme cleaner or essential oil blend. Dust mites do not bite! They feed upon pet dander and skin flakes that humans naturally shed. They tend to be more prevalent in homes with pets. Human Scabies Mites: A fog machine is not necessary, as this mite doesn't travel far from the human host. Frequent spray treatment of skin, bedding and surfaces will be required. Doctor's visits will be required to monitor skin. Sarcoptic Scabies Mites: A fog machine is optional, as this mite will primarily stay close to carpets, pets and furniture. The frequent spraying of pets and surfaces will more than likely eradicate this type of mite from the home, but treatment may be chronic because pets tend to disperse this mite everywhere they choose to sit, lay, sleep or linger. |
Bird Mites: Fogging is considered very helpful for this type of infestation, as bird mites tend to spread all over the house. They may be found climbing up walls or dispersing across ceilings. For this reason, a good fog machine may be necessary to help pest control fluids settle upon walls, coat ceilings and penetrate unseen crevices. Most bird mite clients come to me after hiring pest control operators and failing with typical spray protocols.
Rodent Mites: Fogging is considered very helpful for this type of infestation because rodent mites tend to hide behind walls and emerge in large numbers when rodents die from various poisons that were used to eradicate them. Most clients come to me after hiring pest control operators and failing with typical spray protocols.
Cheyletiella Mites: Fogging is useful for this type of infestation. Skin treatment will also be necessary, as the cheyletiella mite can burrow down into the superficial keratin layer of skin. Doctor's visits will be required to monitor skin.
Springtails: Fogging is considered necessary for this type of infestation. Springtail infestations are among the most chronic and difficult to treat because these mites are often connected to mold issues behind walls. Outdoor treatment is often necessary because many clients report that their springtail problems began after dumping new landscaping materials. Springtails often enter homes through cracks and crevices around windows and foundations, but they may also be dragged into the home via pet paws and human shoes.
Rodent Mites: Fogging is considered very helpful for this type of infestation because rodent mites tend to hide behind walls and emerge in large numbers when rodents die from various poisons that were used to eradicate them. Most clients come to me after hiring pest control operators and failing with typical spray protocols.
Cheyletiella Mites: Fogging is useful for this type of infestation. Skin treatment will also be necessary, as the cheyletiella mite can burrow down into the superficial keratin layer of skin. Doctor's visits will be required to monitor skin.
Springtails: Fogging is considered necessary for this type of infestation. Springtail infestations are among the most chronic and difficult to treat because these mites are often connected to mold issues behind walls. Outdoor treatment is often necessary because many clients report that their springtail problems began after dumping new landscaping materials. Springtails often enter homes through cracks and crevices around windows and foundations, but they may also be dragged into the home via pet paws and human shoes.
10. The Preferred Chemical Pesticide for Mites - Super Strong Residual Effects
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We live in an age where millions of people are avoiding chemical pesticides because of their widely publicized link to neurological disorders, Hodgkins lymphoma, breast cancer and specific types of cancer in children living near farms where pesticides are sprayed. However, Onslaught is classified as a "moderate risk" pesticide, not a "high risk" pesticide. Chemical treatments with strong residuals can prove useful for treating sheds, attics, basements and other areas where humans aren't inclined to come in close contact with surfaces. My personal opinion is that chemicals should not be used to treat beds and furniture, but many professionals insist that chemicals can safely be used on floors and baseboards, especially in homes without children or pets. Consult your doctor for more information on this matter. The ultimate decision to use or avoid chemicals is your own. Onslaught Liquid Insecticide is micro-encapsulated, meaning that after the product is sprayed, the active ingredient is released slowly over time, producing long-lasting residual control. It's a great formula for filling cracks, crevices and areas that are difficult to treat frequently. For example, you may wish to spray it behind a heavy piece of furniture that's difficult to move during daily cleaning protocols. This is not the type of pesticide that's labeled for the spraying of human bodies, pets and intimate surfaces, but it can be a valuable tool when used judiciously in specific areas.
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11. Diatomaceous Earth - Great Residual Effects
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Diatomaceous earth is the preferred insecticidal dust for bedbug and mite infestations. Made of the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton, this moisture leeching dust causes insects to dry out by absorbing the oils and fats from the exoskeleton. The sharp edges of the particles are highly abrasive, slashing at the cuticle and speeding up the process. On the bright side, diatomaceous earth is an inorganic material that can be effective for many years when kept dry. It's an excellent choice for wall voids, crawl spaces and other hidden locations. On the down side, these particles are like fiberglass when inhaled. It's best not to cover wide indoor areas where humans congregate. Instead, sprinkle the dust under beds, couches and appliances. Treat crawl spaces and sprinkle along baseboards, but don't pile it onto carpeting or spread it throughout the room. The primary concern is to keep the dust contained so that it doesn't make its way into the air humans and pets breathe.
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12. Borax - A Great Additive for Laundry
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It's a pretty standard recommendation to wash mite infested clothing in borax. Don't count upon the heat from your dryer to kill mites. Through the years, I've received countless phone calls from mite warriors who must fog their vehicles. Interestingly, many of these calls come from hot areas of the country such as Texas and Florida. If mites don't die in cars that sit in direct sunlight, they must be more hearty and resilient than published heat statistics make them out to be. When temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172. So why would thousands of people from Florida and Texas call to purchase pesticides for their cars? I hope I've been abundantly clear. Soak your bedding in borax overnight, and don't just assume that your dryer will kill everything. Case closed.
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13. Boric Acid - A Popular Pesticide for Carpets
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Most folks associate boric acid with the treatment of cockroaches and the mixing of bait used to attract roaches and ants, but it's also great for fleas and mites. Just sprinkle it on your carpet, leave overnight and vacuum in the morning. Beware that pets should not ingest this product. Neither humans nor pets should get it into their eyes. Note that boric acid and borax aren't the same product. Borax is the basic mineral mined from the ground. A refining process turns it into boric acid. Boric acid is more powder like. The reduced bulk and lower molecular weight promotes superior penetration into the target insect's exoskeleton. Borax for laundry is not labeled for use as a pesticide. When considering the compounds themselves, boric acid has a larger concentration of boron. That means boric acid is stronger than borax. Boric acid has 17.48 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boric_acid) and Borax has 11.34% (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borax).
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14. Ozone Generator
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High ozone concentrations (over six parts per million) are known to create inhospitable conditions for bedbugs and mites. Such generators are associated with maintaining unfavorable conditions for bugs AFTER primary pest control measures have been implemented. An ozone generator should not be purchased as an alternative to spray treatments, but it can be a beautiful investment to maintain the results of your hard work.
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15. Mattress Encasement - The Single Most Important Purchase You Can Make
Mites don't just hang out on the surface of beds They can invade box springs and make their way deep into mattress stuffing, where they'll hide until they need a blood meal. If you spray the bed frequently, you'll only kill what's on the surface. Deeply hidden mites can keep coming out to attack you. DON'T JUST ENCASE YOUR MATTRESS TO TRAP MITES. ENCASE YOUR BOX SPRINGS AS WELL. Since it can be quite expensive to double encase every bed in the house, you might consider choosing budget encasements. If there's only one bed in the house, you may wish to go with a premium encasement that's extensively lab tested, noiseless and certified. Below you'll find my top two recommendations for mattress encasements. The premium encasement offers a generous ten-year warranty because it's built to be more durable over time.
A Great Premium Mattress Encaement
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Price: $39.95
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A Great Inexpensive Mattress Encasement
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Price: $18.99
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Common Co-Infections Linked to Parasite Infestation and What to Do About Them
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Ten Ways to Deal with the Psychological Stress of a Mite Infestation
How to Get Mites Out of Ears, Eyes, Noses and Genitals
Prescriptions for Treating Mites in the Urinary Tract
Top 12 Oral Supplements Commonly Used to Battle Parasites
20 Ways to Trap Mites -Glue Boards Aren't Enough
How to Get Mites Out of Cars
How to Get Mites Out of Couch Crevices
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How to Get Springtails and Mold Mites Out of Dishwashers
Ten Rules to Avoid Transferring Mites when You Move to a New Home
The Importance of Choosing Clothing and Bedding Made of Synthetic Materials
The Advantages of Treating with UV Light
How to Treat and Store Mite Infested Documents
How to Treat Infested Cell Phones and Computers
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