![\"Itchy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-2269770647-8067.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe itching can last for days on end (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tThe itching can last for days on end (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
As summer<\/a> winds down and the relentless heatwaves we\u2019ve been having finally dissipate, conditions are just right for leisurely dog walks in the countryside.<\/p>\n But this Goldilocks strolling weather is perfect for something else, too: harvest mites.<\/p>\n These microscopic\u00a0bright red or orange arachnids, from the same family as spiders and ticks, live in soil, woodlands, fields, tall weeds, and\u00a0even overgrown gardens.<\/p>\n Also known as chiggers or berry bugs (although the scientific name for the species found in the UK is neotrombicula autumnalis), the six-legged parasitic bugs<\/a> latch on to animals or humans who brush against the leaves or grass they live in.<\/p>\n Then, once they\u2019ve attached to their host, harvest mites inject digestive enzymes which breaks down skin cells, before consuming the liquefied tissue.<\/p>\n And they thrive around September and October, as eggs laid in the soil the previous year start hatching into hungry larvae.<\/p>\n Signs you\u2019ve been bitten by harvest mites<\/p>\n Unlike with some larger insects, it\u2019s incredibly difficult spot a harvest mite \u2014 typically about 0.2mm to 1mm long \u2014 with the naked eye.<\/p>\n Instead, you\u2019ll usually only notice you\u2019ve been bitten once the intense itching sets in about 24 hours later.<\/p>\n \t\t Chemist4U described the main symptom as \u2018itchy red bumps that can appear on your skin in the form of pimples, blisters or small hives,\u2019 adding: \u2018Bites are usually found around the waist, ankles and in warm skin folds.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n Often found in clusters, these spots usually get bigger and itchier over several days; a condition known as trombiculosis.<\/p>\n Thankfully, harvest mites found in the UK don\u2019t transmit diseases, whereas their counterparts in East Asia and the South Pacific can lead to a potentially fatal disease called scrub typhus.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, in the USA<\/a>, chigger bites to the penis have also been known to cause \u2018summer penile syndrome\u2019, characterised by swelling and pain. It\u2019s enough to make you grateful you live on this side of the pond.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts about the harvest mite issue in the UK?<\/p>\n I’m concerned and will take precautions.Check<\/p>\n I think it’s manageable with proper care.Check<\/p>\n I wasn’t aware of this but find it interesting.Check<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tSign up to Metro’s The Slice newsletter for your guide to what’s on in London, with trusted reviews, offers and giveaways.<\/p>\n How to treat harvest mite bites<\/p>\n According to Mayo Clinic, the red, itchy welts normally heal on their own within one to two weeks, but in the meantime showers or baths can help reduce itching.<\/p>\n The NHS also recommends<\/a> taking the following steps if you\u2019ve been bitten or stung by any insect, including harvest mites:<\/p>\n Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a clean cloth soaked in cold water to the affected area for at least 20 minutes<\/p>\n Use antihistamines to relieve any itching<\/p>\n Use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling<\/p>\n Avoid scratching the bite or sting, as it could get infected<\/p>\n Steer clear of home remedies<\/p>\n Speak to a pharmacist if you\u2019re experiencing pain, or if pus or fluid is coming from the bite, and call 111 if symptoms continue to worsen or don\u2019t improve, or you experience other issues like stomach pain, sickness, dizziness, or a temperature.<\/p>\n As with most things, prevention is better than cure, so do try to keep skin covered to reduce your risk of being targeted.<\/p>\n What to do if your dog gets bitten<\/p>\n Although humans (particularly pet owners, who are likely to be out in harvest mite habitats) can fall victim to the arachnids, dogs are extra vulnerable.<\/p>\n Keep an eye out for your furry friend itching, licking or biting themselves, along with inflammation and redness of the skin.<\/p>\n \t\t If you suspect a harvest mite infestation, you should speak to your vet \u2014 especially if your pet shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, a raised temperature, or muscle tremors. This could suggest seasonal canine illness (SCI), a rare condition which has been linked to the bugs.<\/p>\n \u2018At home, owners will not be able to kill\u00a0harvest\u00a0mites\u00a0or remove the infestation completely, but bathing your dog in a soothing shampoo containing ingredients such as Ophytrium can help to reduce inflammation and soothe itchy skin while you are waiting to see your vet,\u2019 adds Dr Tanya Leslie, veterinary advisor for\u00a0Douxo<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018If your dog has broken skin due to itching or biting, there is an added risk of bacterial or yeast infections; shampoos containing chlorhexidine can help disinfect the skin and manage bacterial overgrowth.\u2019<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to keep up-to-date with their flea treatments too, since this makes it less likely that they\u2019ll catch\u00a0harvest\u00a0mites in first place.<\/p>\n Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-1237311603-6a89.jpg\")
\n\t\tThey\u2019re typically less than a millimetre in size (Picture: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-841102034-0eb8.jpg\")
\n\t\tDogs are especially vulnerable when exploring the harvest mite\u2019s natural habitat (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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