Mite and Beetle Infestations in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham
Mites and beetles can become a serious nuisance for homes and businesses in the North East of England. From flour mites in kitchens to bird mites spreading from nests in lofts, these pests can cause damage, discomfort, and health risks.
Common Mites and Beetles in the North East
- Flour Mites: Often found in kitchens, these mites feed on cereal products, flour, and grains. Flour mites can taint food and cause respiratory problems and skin irritation, particularly for those handling infested products.
- Poultry/Bird Mites: These mites feed on the blood of birds and, in the absence of a bird host, can bite humans, causing itching and irritation. They often spread from birds’ nests in lofts or roof spaces.
- Clover Mites: Although not harmful, these tiny mites can become a nuisance by entering homes through cracks in window frames and walls, particularly in autumn.
- Plaster Beetles and Booklice: Both feed on moulds that grow on damp plaster or books. They can often be found in new builds or properties where moisture is present, including walls, ceilings, and cupboards.
Why Treat Mites and Beetles?
- Health Risks: Poultry mites can bite people, causing itching and irritation. Flour mites can contaminate food and cause respiratory disorders or dermatitis for people handling infested products.
- Damage to Property: Plaster beetles and booklice feed on mould that grows in damp areas, spreading into cupboards, onto clothing, and even infesting books. They can originate from birds’ nests and spread rapidly throughout a building.
- Food Contamination: Flour mites and psocids (booklice) can infest kitchens and food storage areas, making food unusable and spreading throughout cupboards.
Preparation Before Treatment
For effective treatment of mite and beetle infestations:
- Flour Mites: Destroy infested foodstuffs and empty cupboards where the mites have been spotted.
- Poultry/Bird Mites: Remove any birds’ nests from lofts, chimneys, or eaves.
- Plaster Beetles and Booklice: Remove birds’ nests, clean and dust surfaces, and ensure all kitchen worktops, cabinets, and under appliances are free from crumbs and grease.
- Clover Mites: Consider removing plants and turf from around the edges of affected buildings to reduce mite access.
Clear all items that could be damaged by water mist, such as food, pet food, and sensitive materials. Cover cutlery, towels, toothbrushes, and other household items. Ensure that pets and children are kept out of the treated areas.
Aftercare for Mite and Beetle Treatments
- Allow treated surfaces to dry completely before cleaning or wiping.
- Ventilate treated areas by opening windows and reduce humidity to help the treatment work effectively.
- Keep pets and children out of the treated area until dry.
- Residual insecticide will last for 1-3 months on surfaces, so avoid cleaning, vacuuming, or wiping down treated areas until the infestation has been completely resolved.
- For clover mite infestations, removing vegetation around windows and doors may be necessary to prevent their return.
How Our Mite and Beetle Treatments Work
At PEST-SHIELD, we treat infested areas with a residual insecticide, targeting the pests where they are most active. This includes walls, ceilings, kitchens, and lofts. Effective eradication depends on reducing humidity and removing bird nests, plants, or turf when applicable.
The insecticide will eliminate most mites and beetles, but full eradication can take a few weeks. Plaster beetles and booklice may still appear for up to three weeks after treatment, especially if there is ongoing dampness or mould growth.
Facts About Mites and Beetles
- Flour Mites: These tiny, translucent mites infest cereal products, grains, cheese, and dried fruits. They can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation for people who handle infested items.
- Bird Mites: Small but mobile, bird mites feed on the blood of birds like pigeons, sparrows, and starlings. They often spread from bird nests into homes when birds leave the nest, and while they cannot survive on human blood, they can cause intense itching and rashes.
- Clover Mites: These plant-feeding mites can be a nuisance when they move indoors in cooler months. While they do not harm humans or damage property, their presence in large numbers can be overwhelming.
- Booklice (Psocids): These tiny insects feed on microscopic moulds that grow in damp areas, often appearing on new plaster or in poorly ventilated rooms. While harmless in small numbers, they can contaminate food and damage books and packaging.
- Plaster Beetles: Found in new or recently renovated buildings, plaster beetles feed on mould growing on damp plaster. They are often seen on walls and ceilings, especially in areas where moisture levels are high.