Trombicula

Trombicula, also known as chiggers or harvest mites, refers to a genus of parasitic mites belonging to the family Trombiculidae. The larval stage of these mites is the parasitic one, feeding on the skin and lymph fluids of various hosts, including humans, mammals, birds, and reptiles. This feeding often results in intense itching and the formation of reddish welts. Adult trombiculid mites are free-living predators and do not feed on their hosts. They inhabit environments with dense vegetation, favoring areas of tall grass, low shrubs, and moist soil, where they are often found during warmer months.

Trombicula meaning with examples

• During our hike through the tall grass, we encountered a swarm of Trombicula larvae, and the next day, we were covered in intensely itchy bites. After the bites started itching, we looked at pictures of the tiny bugs that caused the irritation and confirmed that the critters were indeed Trombicula. We learned the hard way about the prevalence of these mites.
• The farmer noticed his livestock scratching incessantly, and upon inspection, he discovered numerous Trombicula attached to their skin. Despite treating the animals, the effects of the Trombicula persisted due to reinfestation. The farmer considered removing the cows from their regular pasture as a solution to the Trombicula problem.
• Campers need to be aware of the potential presence of Trombicula in wooded areas, as these mites can cause significant discomfort. Wearing long sleeves and pants tucked into socks, as well as using insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin, can help prevent Trombicula bites. Avoiding areas of dense vegetation reduces the risk of encountering Trombicula.
• Researchers studying the distribution of Trombicula species have found that their presence is highly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. These factors contribute to the growth of dense areas of plant life where the Trombicula mites lay their eggs, further spreading the mite population throughout the area. Certain pesticides also affect the survival rate.
• My dog was constantly scratching after playing in the backyard; the vet confirmed the presence of Trombicula. After confirming the presence of the mites, we washed her bedding and gave her a specialized bath and medication to treat the Trombicula bites. We learned about the preventative measures against Trombicula.