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Harvest Mites

Last post 16-09-2009 11:08 AM by Rae. 2 replies.

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  • 16/09/2009 10:14 AM
    • Rae
    • Dorset
    • 31 Jul 2007
    • 191
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    Hi everyone - this is abit of a tangent as Harvest mites as far as I know do not actually harm gardens but they do possibly harm "gardeners"!  Since moving to Dorset one of our cats scratchs herself red raw every summer and it has been "diagnosed" as harvest mites which are apparently quite prevalent in Dorset.

     My vet who I respect very much says there is no preventative measure just have to bring the cat in each spring and periodically throughout the summer months until October to have injections.  Apparently these little fellas attach themselves to cats, dogs and sometimes human and "feed" then drop off after 3 or 4 days.  But the irritation they leave on the skin drives the animal mad.

    My question is that when I asked the vet if there was anything I could do she said nothing - but my cat has obviously found some little corner of the garden or someone elses (although she doesnt roam that much) that have these little darlings - but I cant help wondering whether there isnt something you can spray onto the garden to kill them in the spring?  If anyone has any thoughts or has experience of these? ....Apart from the fact that my poor little *** cat has alot of distress because of these mites - but also it is costing me a fortune at the vets!!
  • 16/09/2009 10:48 AM
    In reply to
    • Pesty
    • 24 Nov 2005
    • 94
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    Hi Rae

     

    Bad news I'm afraid - the vet is right - no way of controlling them - and unfortunatly the only way you are likley to find where they are coming from is if you get bitten....

     

     

    'Trying is the first step to failure' H.J.Simpson
  • 16/09/2009 11:08 AM
    In reply to
    • Rae
    • Dorset
    • 31 Jul 2007
    • 191
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    Hi pesty yes I fear you are right I have googled and googled for a clue as to how I can genecide the little devils but it appears you can use some pesticide on them but finding them is the problem.  We live next to the park and there are large trees which block quite a lot of sunlight at different times of the day so it sounds like an ideal breeding ground for them.  They say they are prevalent around rabbit warrens but dont have them but we do have foxes and many dogs off the lead being walked in the park so I guess we are in a no win situation.