Tiny Black Mites

[Yoder]

Has anyone seen these in the woods? There are millions of them on the ground, so many it sounds like rain. I've seen them in a couple areas I hunt. They are really small like pepper. Anyone know what these are?

[CHEMICAL]

Chiggers! RUNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tomcat088]

It could be chiggers. It's also possible that you're seeing the mites that cause scabies/sarcoptic mange. Normally you can't see the mites that cause scabies, but I have seen places where there were so many of the dang things, that you COULD see them. If you've seen animals with the mange in your area, I'd be dang careful. They make chiggers look like a cakewalk. There's a reason that scabies/mange is called "The Seven Year Itch". Even if it's just chiggers, they're bad enough, lol. If you can see individual mites that are about the size of pepper, it probably is chiggers. If you can just kind of see a mass of them moving and stuff, it might not be chiggers.

Do they look like this?


If so, it's chiggers.

[nlcrsn]

Ticks 10 characters

[Yoder]

They are really tiny, black and there are literally millions of them. You can actually hear them moving on the leaves. It almost sounds like it's raining. I didn't get bit so I doubt chiggers. Next time I see them I'll have to see if I can get a pic.

[nijwnfi]

Have to be a pretty good lens to get a pic of a mite. They are tough to see with your eyes alone. We've had a few hard frosts, I'm surprised they are active. If you can look at one under a magnifying glass, look for 8 legs. 6 legs, not a mite.

[Emptymag]

Thanks a lot. I'm all itchy now.

(shiver)

[steelerfan]

Thanks a lot. I'm all itchy now.

(shiver)

Dang, me too,just reading this stuff is making me itch like crazy !

[Bob La]

Might be Springtails.
I saw these for the first time about five years ago after a dusting of snow.
They snap when they jump, totally harmless but scary as h**l if you've ever had chiggers.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springtail

[Yoder]

Might be Springtails.
I saw these for the first time about five years ago after a dusting of snow.
They snap when they jump, totally harmless but scary as h**l if you've ever had chiggers.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springtail

I think you got it. Thanks, I always wondered what the hell these things were.