Clover mites, midges resurface due to dry conditions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Chiggers, clover mites and midges (or noseeums) are resurfacing due to dry conditions.

"We're getting a combination of clover mites, noseeums, which is a biting midge, and the chiggers," Gary Wojciewchowicz with Tactical Pest Solutions said. "That's the topic that everybody's hot on right now."
 
Clover mites are so small, they are tough to see unless you look very closely. They show up on sidewalks but they are also likely to appear on a porch and in the kitchen or bathroom. 
 
"If we have these dry temperatures and a lot of heat, they're going come to that irrigated lawn and, uh you know, that sink of yours," Wojciewchowicz said.
 
Mites feed off of water but the area is facing the driest spring on record in Charlotte .
 
The mites are coming up from the ground in order to find moisture because it has been so dry.
 
Clover mites are harmless, but the noseeums and chiggers bite.
 
Often people will get bite marks below their knees and will think it's a mosquito but it is likely a bite from a chigger or noseeum. They are so small they are hard to see with the naked eye.
 
"Almost every call I've gotten so far this year, that's been the case," Wojciewchowicz said. "They're not, they're not actually seeing the mosquitoes yet. But they are getting bit and that's what's doing it. The midges."
 
Rain is in the forecast this weekend and that could bring some relief from these pests.

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