Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500529
06/24/03

Controlling Mites In The Kitchen


Mites are very small insect relatives that sometimes
infest stored foods. Both the grain mite and the cheese
mite are about 0.3 to 0.66 mm (1/64 - 1/32 inch) long and
translucent pearly white. They can infest flour, stored
cereal products, cheese and dried foods. Home cured meats
can also be infested by mites. If large numbers of mites
are present, dermatitis (an irritating rash) can develop
from handling infested foods. Mites are controlled with a
thorough cleanup of the infested area.

For a complete listing of suggested control options
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.

Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label.
Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have
any concerns regarding your personal health risk.
Revised by Tom Ellis, M.S., Department of Entomology

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This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .