Whether on a relaxing walk in the woods, a walk outside or an encounter with a wild animal – “Neotrombicula autumnalis” lurks on grass and stalks and attacks a wide variety of animal species. The parasites, better known as autumn grass mites or harvest mites, can quickly become a nuisance for cats and dogs as larvae. And they don’t stop at us humans either.
The tiny parasites are brushed off of various plants or blades of grass as you walk past and reach their host. And autumn mites don’t care who they land on. They are “host-independent”. This means that they don’t just attack cats and dogs, but also birds, small wild mammals and even humans. How do you protect yourself and your animals from these pests and how do you recognize an infestation? Here are the answers!
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What are autumn grass mites?
Table of Contents
- 1 What are autumn grass mites?
- 2 Infestation and symptoms of autumn grass mites in cats
- 3 What to do if cats are infested with grass mites?
- 4 How can you prevent autumn grass mites?
- 5 Conclusion: Autumn grass mites in cats
- 6 Aws, belly, and face. Symptoms of an infestation in cats may include intense itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to secondary infections due to excessive scratching.
The autumn grass mite belongs to the class of arachnids. There are around 30,000 known species of mites worldwide, making them the most species-rich group of arachnids. Ticks also belong to the mite family.
The development cycles of all mite species are identical: starting with an egg, this develops into a larva, from which the “nymph” emerges. The last step in the cycle is the adult mite. While the larva has six legs, the nymph and adult mites have eight legs, in keeping with the class of arachnids.
Curiously, only the larvae of the autumn grass mite live “parasitically”. With their powerful jaws, the orange-colored larvae, which are only 0.3 to 0.4 millimeters in size, scratch the surface layer of skin and then feed on the secretion that comes out. Once the larvae have taken in enough food, they leave their host and develop into adult mites in the wild.
Adult grass mites are vegetarians and no longer require a host to survive. Therefore, only the larvae of the grass mites pose a danger to cats and dogs.
Photo: pixabay.com/makamuki0 (symbol image)
Infestation and symptoms of autumn grass mites in cats
Typical habitats of the small parasites are gardens, fields, meadows or forest edges. There they lurk in the grass or on plants and can be brushed off as you walk past.
The little pests attack the animals mainly on the skin areas through which they reach the host. In cats, grass mites find access to their purring host mainly via their paws (especially between the toes), the legs and the chest/belly area. The parasites can also be found on the cat’s head by brushing off blades of grass. The bridge of the nose and the edges of the ears are then mainly affected by infestation.
If a cat is infected with grass mites, the parasites release their saliva into the skin of their host in order to feed. This leads to an immune reaction, which primarily results in severe itching. This can be so painful for the cat that it leads to behavioral problems such as restlessness, aggression or excessive grooming. In severe cases, seizures have also been observed.
Another sign of autumn mite infestation in cats is often reddened skin as well as inflamed and scratched areas of skin. The constant scratching can even cause bald patches of skin.
What to do if cats are infested with grass mites?
If your purring companions are infected with the small parasites, the skin irritations and itching should be treated with anti-inflammatory ointments or creams. Cooling the affected area of skin can also provide short-term relief. However, if the itching is too severe, it is recommended to relieve the itching with medication after consulting your vet.
Although autumn grass mites attack both animals and humans, transmission from animals to humans or vice versa is not possible.
How can you prevent autumn grass mites?
Unlike fleas or ticks, there is no approved treatment for autumn mites in cats. According to the European Expert Panel on Parasite Infestation in Pets, “ESCCAP“It can help to keep your furry friends indoors temporarily or only let them outside when the temperature is cooler, as the small parasites are less active then. It also makes sense to avoid areas that were affected by autumn mites last year. However, outdoor cats are very difficult to control in this regard.
A simple test will show whether your garden is infested with grass mites. To do this, place a white plate in the grass. If small orange dots collect there, this is clear evidence of the presence of grass mites. The lawn should then be mown as often as possible and the grass clippings should be disposed of properly outside the garden.
Various products can also be used to prevent tick and flea infestations. According to ESCCAP, sprays have proven particularly effective, as they can be sprayed onto the affected areas of the body easily and regularly (ideally every three to five days). However, most experts now advise against using shampoos that contain the active ingredients of the “permethrin class” due to the potential for poisoning in cats.
Photo: pixabay.com/Wikilmages (Symbolfoto)
Conclusion: Autumn grass mites in cats
Even if a cat’s infestation with grass mites usually only lasts a few days (24 to a maximum of 72 hours), this short time is enough to cause itchy skin irritations and even allergies in the affected cat. These usually persist even when the parasites have long since left their host. “Secondary lesions” of the skin caused by scratching and biting are also possible, and can be further exacerbated by bacterial infections.
If ointments and creams do not help, you should take your cat to the vet. An infestation can be confirmed by microscopic examination. If the itching is severe and inflammation is already evident, the vet can prescribe anti-itch and anti-inflammatory medication. Veterinary treatment also prevents the skin from becoming further injured by persistent scratching.
But a little consolation at the end: autumn grass mites only become active at temperatures above 16 degrees Celsius. By the end of October at the latest, when summer is finally drawing to a close, the little parasites are gone.
Important NOTE
Our guides are not a substitute for veterinary advice from your vet. They are intended for information purposes only and are intended to provide an overview of illnesses, injuries and their treatment. If your animal shows symptoms that indicate injuries, illnesses or discomfort, you should definitely visit a veterinary practice or animal clinic.
Aws, belly, and face. Symptoms of an infestation in cats may include intense itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to secondary infections due to excessive scratching.
Autumn Grass Mites: The Uninvited Guests in Your Garden and on Your Pets
As you take a leisurely stroll through the woods, enjoy a walk outside, or encounter a wild animal, there’s a tiny parasite lurking in the grass, waiting to pounce on its next unsuspecting host. Meet the autumn grass mite, also known as harvest mites, which can quickly become a nuisance for cats, dogs, and even humans. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of these tiny pests, exploring what they are, how they attack, and most importantly, how to protect yourself and your pets from their itchy grasp.
What are Autumn Grass Mites?
The autumn grass mite belongs to the class of arachnids, a species-rich group that includes ticks. With over 30,000 known species, mites are one of the most diverse groups of arachnids. The life cycle of all mite species is identical, consisting of an egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. While adult mites have eight legs, larvae have six legs, and it’s the larvae that pose a danger to animals.
The Parasitic Larvae
The orange-colored larvae of the autumn grass mite are only 0.3 to 0.4 millimeters in size, but they pack a punch. With their powerful jaws, they scratch the surface layer of skin and feed on the secretion that comes out. After feeding, the larvae leave their host and develop into adult mites in the wild. Adult grass mites, on the other hand, are vegetarians and no longer require a host to survive.
Infestation and Symptoms in Cats
Autumn grass mites typically inhabit gardens, fields, meadows, or forest edges, where they lurk in the grass or on plants, waiting to be brushed off onto an unsuspecting host. In cats, the parasites mainly attack the skin areas that come into contact with the ground, such as the p
