What Do Squirrel Mites Look Like & How to Identify Them

Squirrel mites are tiny parasitic arthropods that feed on the blood or skin of squirrels. While primarily found on their squirrel hosts, these mites can seek out other hosts, including humans and pets, especially when squirrels reside in or around homes.

Identifying Squirrel Mites

Squirrel mites are extremely small, often appearing as specks to the unaided eye. Most measure less than one millimeter, making them difficult to see without magnification. Their bodies are typically oval or teardrop-shaped and somewhat flattened.

These mites, like other arachnids, possess eight jointed legs as adults. Their color can vary, appearing translucent or pale brown before they feed. However, after engorging on blood, they may take on a reddish-brown or even black hue. Observing them closely, one might notice their slow, crawling movement across surfaces.

Where Squirrel Mites Are Found

Squirrel mites primarily live on their host animals, within their fur and on their skin. They are especially common on sick, young, or recently deceased squirrels. Mites also inhabit squirrel nests, dens, and nesting materials found in attics, wall voids, or chimneys.

When a squirrel host dies, abandons its nest, or its nesting area is disturbed, mites may disperse. They then search for new hosts, potentially spreading into a building’s living spaces, even far from the original squirrel activity.

Signs of a Squirrel Mite Infestation

Evidence of squirrel mites can manifest on people and within the home. On humans and pets, bites often appear as small, red, itchy bumps or welts, sometimes in clusters. These bites can cause skin irritation, particularly on areas that have contacted infested surfaces, such as arms, legs, and the torso.

Within the home, visible mites may be seen crawling on surfaces like walls, ceilings, furniture, windowsills, or bedding. This is especially noticeable after a squirrel nest has been abandoned or removed. Indirect signs include noises of squirrel activity in attics or walls, indicating a potential host.

Distinguishing Squirrel Mites from Other Pests

Differentiating squirrel mites from other common household pests can be challenging due to their small size and similar appearances. Bird mites, for instance, are very similar in appearance and behavior, often requiring microscopic examination for definitive identification. The primary distinction lies in their preferred host, which is birds for bird mites.

Dust mites are not visible to the naked eye and do not bite humans, instead feeding on dead skin flakes. Bed bugs are larger and visible, typically apple-seed shaped, and are usually found in bed frames and mattresses. Fleas, while also small, are dark brown, wingless insects known for their ability to jump and their laterally flattened bodies, commonly associated with pets.

Managing Squirrel Mite Issues

Addressing a squirrel mite issue begins with removing the infestation source. This involves safely and humanely removing squirrels and their nests from the property, often through trapping and exclusion. Sealing potential entry points, such as gaps and holes in the building, is important to prevent future squirrel access.

Thorough cleaning of infested areas is also necessary. This includes vacuuming carpets and furniture and washing bedding and clothing in hot water. For severe or persistent infestations, contacting a pest management professional is recommended. These specialists can provide targeted treatments and comprehensive solutions to effectively eliminate the mites.