Last Updated: November 18, 2024
This is an updated version of an article that was originally published December 30, 2019.
Mites. Love them or hate them (okay, mostly hate them), these tiny critters have a knack for showing up where they’re not wanted. Over the years, we’ve dissected their habitats, dining preferences, and the astonishing number of species sharing our planet—over 1,000 and counting. Yet, one mite variety often escapes the spotlight: the resilient and unassuming wood mite.
Let’s change that, especially now, when your holiday centerpiece—yes, that gorgeous Christmas tree—might double as a Trojan horse for these pesky freeloaders. And if you find yourself playing host to these unwelcome guests, don't panic—Sterifab® is an excellent option to clean up the mess and tackle any lingering microorganisms or mold they may have brought along.
What Makes Wood Mites a Problem?
Before you start scratching (imaginary itches are real), let’s clear something up: wood mites don’t attack humans or pets. But they do love damp, old wood and will happily hitch a ride into your home. Once inside, they make themselves at home on your furniture, in your carpets, and—ew—inside your electronics.
A UK reader once wrote to a pest help column describing a wood mite invasion:
“...They were crawling all over the drawers, carpets, and beds. My PS3 remote had about 30 of them inside! We sealed it in a bag, but they’re still there, waiting to be cleaned out.”
Yikes!
How Do Wood Mites Get Inside?
Wood mites are opportunists. Their favorite entry points include:
Firewood: Whether from your outdoor pile or a hardware store, damp logs are like five-star hotels for wood mites.
Holiday Trees: That beautiful Christmas tree? A potential wood mite superhighway.
Houseplants: Garden soil or potted plants can harbor mites, so check the pots if you spot any silken threads nearby.
Tip: Wood mites are often found in gardens, on house plants, and greenhouses. So, in addition to being brought in from the wood pile or on the Christmas tree, they can also find their way into your house on a house plant. Check those pots if you find wood mites anywhere.
How to Evict Wood Mites for Good
If wood mites are overstaying their welcome, here’s your game plan:
Find Their Hideout
Check damp wood piles, moist furniture, or anywhere mold thrives. Wood mites love humidity, so start there.
Eliminate Moisture and Mold
Mold is their kryptonite. Fix leaks, air out damp areas, and clean up mold wherever you find it.
Deep Clean Everything
Vacuum carpets, furniture, and mattresses meticulously.
Wash bedding, curtains, and soft furnishings, then dry them on high heat for 45 minutes.
Mop floors with hot water and a trusted cleaner.
Use a Nonresidual Pesticide
A product like Sterifab® can be a game-changer. It kills pests like mites while also disinfecting surfaces and eliminating mold spores. Since it’s nonresidual, it won’t linger once dry—so you can get back to using your home quickly.
Check out our blog How to Get Rid of Mites in 5 Easy Steps for tips on tackling a mite infestation.
Preventing Wood Mite Comebacks
Prevention is easier than treatment. Here’s how to keep wood mites at bay:
Fix leaks: Check faucets, pipes, and even your roof for potential water seepage.
Control humidity: Use dehumidifiers if you live in a humid area.
Inspect greenery: Examine plants for mites and bag and discard infested ones.
The Holiday Connection
Here’s the festive twist: your Christmas tree could be the culprit. Before you bring it indoors, shake it out thoroughly to dislodge hitchhiking pests. Once the holidays are over, clean up carefully. Vacuum around where the tree stood, wash tree skirts, and inspect decorations for hidden mites.
A Quick Reality Check
Even if you follow these steps, wood mites might still return. It’s not your fault—it’s just what pests do. If you spot signs of reinfestation, don’t hesitate to call a licensed pest management professional (PMP). PMPs can identify hidden infestations, eliminate pests at their source, and recommend preventive measures.
As one source put it:
“[A PMP will] identify the pest; locate its source and eliminate if possible; reduce conditions that contribute to the migration, feeding and reproduction of the pest; use chemicals as a last resort; choose correct chemical for the job.”
Keep an Eye Out
Wood mites are tiny but persistent. Staying vigilant is your best defense against a recurrence. Remember, a little maintenance now can save you a big headache later.
Ready to Take Action?
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