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How do I get rid of any infestation of black pepper mites in my mother’s home. I believe she now has an infestation and it has become very uncomfortable for everyone including my toddler granddaughter who comes to visit often. #744632

Asked April 16, 2021, 10:25 AM EDT

How do I get rid of an infestation of black pepper mites in the home.  Please help as there seem to be no one in the Palm Beach County area in Florida that is familiar with these creatures.  I have researched various extermination companies.  Therefore,I need to know what I can do for my family because the mites are aggressive and out of control.  Aside from biting, they tried to get into my eyes.

Palm Beach County Florida

Expert Response

If they are what you call black pepper mites, then most likely they are actually bird mites.  A person in your area who is familiar with the pest  can be consulted to identify the pest for sure.  If they are not bird mites then you will need to find out what they are and treat accordingly. To get rid of the bird mites, you will need to find the bird nests where they are living on the birds.  Sometimes, when the birds have left or died, the mites are desperate and will bite any warm blooded animal (humans) and then move on since it is the wrong blood.  You body still reacts to the bites so it is definitely and unpleasant experience.  Eventually they will die out for lack of food.  Until that happens, you will have a problem.

You first need to get the birds and nesting material removed.   Depending on who you hire to do that, they may be able to apply pesticides to the home, assuming you want that to take place.
Ed Replied April 16, 2021, 10:53 AM EDT

No one in my area knows about them so can you give another solution and definitely something that will get rid of them.  We have virtually no trees for birds to nest so it is rather difficult to find a nest.  Is it possible if they are living in our loft, and if it is, what can I use to get rid of them?  

I have contacted Hulett, Orkin and others, no one seems to know anything about them.

The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2021, 1:39 PM EDT

If you do not have any birds or nests in your house then you need to find someone who can identify what you have.  Look in the loft and other areas where birds might nest.  Also, other animals could have died or nested in areas with their own form of fleas or mites and that may be what is biting you.  Squirrels come to mind.

I am surprised that the companies you mention do not know what you have.  They should at least be able to identify it if they have a sample.  They may want to be paid for the service so may not assist until you hire them.  

That is one of many problems with using common names for pests.  The same name can be used for a variety of animals that have different life cycles and thus different solutions for control.  Without knowing for sure what the pest is, I can not provide more information on what to do for control.

Ed Replied April 16, 2021, 2:45 PM EDT

Here I am again in regards to the black pepper mites or the bird mites. I have asked Orkin and Hulett and they do not provide service for such creatures. Once again can you tell me what can treat the mites when they are already inside of the home?

The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2021, 3:47 PM EDT
The only items I am familiar with are pesticides which require certification to use.  There may be something in one of the big box stores that have mites on the label but if you do not have the mites, it may not solve the problem.  You can try to catch some of the organisms and see if your local extension office or public health dept. has someone to ID them.  Without knowing what you really have, I can not suggest anything.  There needs to be an accurate identification so the correct material can be used.
Ed Replied April 16, 2021, 4:31 PM EDT

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