Harvest mites go by many names: autumn chiggers, berry bugs, harvest lice, or harvest mites – all these terms refer to the same ectoparasite, which belongs to the spider family. We will stick with the name harvest mites.
Harvest mites are almost impossible to see with the naked eye; unfortunately, they infest both animals and humans alike. In common parlance, this condition is also known as "harvest itch" or "scrub itch."
The unique thing about the harvest mite is that it is the larva, rather than the adult harvest mite itself, that bites. These tiny larvae lurk on blades of grass, patiently waiting for a host to brush against them. The harvest mite's active season runs from June to late autumn. In horses, we usually find harvest mite bites in the head, ear, and hoof areas. Often, these bites are mistaken for mud fever in the hoof area, as crusts also form there. However, upon closer inspection of the wounds, one can see small bite marks that would not occur with mud fever. The pastern area, in particular, often has less hair and the skin is easier to reach there since it is also close to the ground. The bite sites turn into small wounds on which crusts form. Standard wound care applies here. Our Summer Eczema Lotion with CBD OIL is very effective in this regard, as it is anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing. The lotion can be applied directly to open wounds. Additionally, the lotion repels mites thanks to its essential oils. While harvest mite bites are stressful for our horses, they fortunately do not transmit other diseases, as is the case with ticks. However, any untreated wound is an entry point for further diseases. The larvae are particularly active on warm and dry days.
Our tip: Spray your horses with our "Milbenruhe" (Mite Calm) before they head out to pasture. It was specially developed for periods of increased harvest mite pressure and combines natural defense support with care for a microbiome-friendly skin environment. Pay special attention to the pasterns and legs, as that is where the larvae prefer to settle. In the sensitive head area, it is best to apply Milbenruhe gently with a cotton pad instead of spraying directly.