Insect identifier · Chiggers and mites
How to identify a Oak leaf itch mite
Pyemotes herfsi
· Also called oak mite, itch mite, pyemotes
People searching “what does a oak leaf itch mite look like” or “oak leaf itch mite bite” want a field ID, not a scare. Oak leaf itch mite (Pyemotes herfsi) is a chiggers mites in this guide. Also called oak mite, itch mite, pyemotes.
Mystery welts on the neck after a late-summer oak afternoon are often oak leaf itch mites.
What does a oak leaf itch mite look like?
Oak leaf itch mite is Microscopic. Colors people notice: tan. Field marks: You will not see the mite; Bites on upper body; Pin oak or oak galls nearby.
Oak leaf itch mite is Microscopic. Colors people notice: tan. Field marks: You will not see the mite; Bites on upper body; Pin oak or oak galls nearby. If the marks fail, open the look-alike pages before forcing this name.
Identification marks
- You will not see the mite
- Bites on upper body
- Pin oak or oak galls nearby
Size: Microscopic
Colors: tan
Where: outdoor
What a typical oak leaf itch mite bite looks like
Itchy red welts with a small central bite, often neck, chest, and shoulders. Delayed. Shower after yard work Itch relief on intact skin
Itchy red welts with a small central bite, often neck, chest, and shoulders. Delayed. Fever, spreading redness, or trouble breathing needs a clinician.
If you were bitten
- Shower after yard work
- Itch relief on intact skin
- Do not use nail polish or bleach
Oak leaf itch mite vs Chigger
Neck and chest after sitting under an oak = oak mite. Sock line after grass = chigger.
- Chigger identification (Eutrombicula alfreddugesi)
- No-see-um identification (Culicoides spp.)
- Straw itch mite identification (Pyemotes tritici)
Range and season
Oak leaf itch mite is active late summer, especially after a dry year. Typical places: yard, woods. Microscopic mite from oak leaf galls. Bites in late summer, often on the neck and chest, with no insect seen.
Midwest and mid-South pin oaks in late summer outbreaks.
Microscopic mite from oak leaf galls. Bites in late summer, often on the neck and chest, with no insect seen.
Late summer, especially after a dry year
Common questions
What are oak mites?
Pyemotes herfsi, a mite that falls from oak galls and bites people. You will not see it.
Oak mite vs chigger?
Oak mites bite the upper body under oaks. Chiggers bite clothing lines after grass.