Cicada Eggs Leave Unwelcome Legacy: Plague of Itch Mites
Background: The Great Cicada Invasion
In the spring of 2021, a massive brood of cicadas emerged from the ground in the Midwest after spending 17 years underground. These insects spent their adult lives mating and laying eggs before dying off.
Now, the aftermath of this cicada invasion is causing a new problem: a plague of parasitic oak leaf itch mites.
Oak Leaf Itch Mites: A Biting Nuisance
What are oak leaf itch mites?
Oak leaf itch mites are tiny creatures that measure just 0.2 millimeters long. They feed on the eggs of cicadas, as well as other insects.
Symptoms of oak leaf itch mite bites
When an oak leaf itch mite bites a human, it can cause an itchy rash and redness of the skin, with small raised pimple-like bumps.
Treatment for oak leaf itch mite bites
There is no specific treatment for oak leaf itch mite bites, but symptoms can be relieved by applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
Connection between Cicadas and Oak Leaf Itch Mites
Experts believe that the recent plague of oak leaf itch mites is directly related to the large number of cicadas that emerged this year.
It is thought that the mites feed on the eggs of cicadas, which provides them with a food source.
Preventing Oak Leaf Itch Mite Bites
There is no surefire way to prevent oak leaf itch mite bites, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Avoid areas where cicadas are known to be active.
- Wear long pants and sleeves when you are outside.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Take a shower after being outdoors.
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