Mites are among the most diverse and abundant arthropods in Ohio, occupying nearly every habitat imaginable. Some species, such as a tiny red mite found on walls and windowsills, often appear in large numbers during warm weather. Others, like a plant-feeding mite common on garden plants, can cause damage to vegetation during outbreaks.
Ohio’s wildlife hosts several mite species as well. A mite that feeds on birds may occasionally enter homes when nests are disturbed, while a species associated with mice and rats can sometimes spread when rodent populations move indoors.
Some mites are known for their irritating bites. A larval mite found in tall grass is notorious for causing itchy welts, and a similar species active in late summer can produce the same effect. Plant specialists include a mite that affects leaves and stems and a species that induces plant deformities.
Not all mites are pests. A beneficial mite species helps control plant-damaging mites, while a brightly colored soil-dwelling mite plays a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Together, these mites illustrate the incredible diversity of Ohio’s microscopic wildlife, much of which goes unnoticed despite its ecological importance.