Home Remedies to Manage Mites

Mites are everywhere. They are microscopic creatures that live in your home and often eat skin. For both people and pets, mites are often a pest. They bother anyone with allergies to dust--which is full of mites--and they live on our pets. When mites grow out of control, they cause an infestation and irritate our pets. Examples of mite infestations are mange, both sarcoptic and demodectic varieties, and ear mites. Pet owners can control mites with preventive methods.

  1. Nutrition and Grooming

    • Boosting the immune system can help control mite populations. Dogs that get either type of mange often get it when their immune system is suppressed. Puppies get mange more often than adult dogs because of their immature immune system. Dogs that have lived in stressful situations are also more likely to have mange. Mange may occur in neglected dogs or dogs that have lived in kennels.

      Feeding a well-balanced diet and giving the dog enough exercise, sunshine, fresh air and clean water can go a long way toward preventing mites from overrunning the body. If your dog has a weaker immune system, you can talk to your vet about supplements that will help keep it strong. Herbs and vitamins are options but it is best to consult your vet first.

      Routine grooming can also control ear mites. Keeping the ears clean and well ventilated (in the case of floppy-eared dogs) will control mites. Talk to your vet about over-the-counter ear cleaners or home recipes you can use to clean your dog's ears. Some dogs that have mild cases of mange or ear mites recover quickly at home if their environment or diet is improved.

    Cleanliness and Maintenance at Home

    • Improve the air quality and increase the frequency of vacuuming to control dust mites. Even a clean house has dust mites, and pets and people who are allergic to dust and dust mites are very sensitive to their presence. Getting an air purifier helps reduce the amount of allergens in the air while vacuuming more frequently will help with the carpets. Wash bedding and other porous surfaces more frequently. Sprays to kill dust mites are available for surface areas. Use them as necessary.

    Diatomaceous Earth

    • Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) can be purchased at health food stores and specialty shops. It is made from microscopic, fossilized water plants. The particles are sharp and drying so tiny insects that crawl across them die on contact. Diatomaceous earth is often used in gardening and pet care. Feed it to pets to prevent internal parasites and dust it on furniture, yard, carpet and other surfaces to control pests. Sprinkle DE on the desired areas, leave it for two or three days, and then vacuum it up.

      Buy only food-grade DE. Other forms of DE are heat and chemically treated for use in things like chlorinated pools. They are harmful if digested. DE is also a lung irritant. When sprinkling DE, be careful not to inhale it or to create too much dust.