Autumn grass mites - recognition and prevention

Contrary to their name, harvest or autumn grass mites are already on the move from July. Like the tick, the autumn grass mite is an arachnid and goes through various stages of development. Only the larvae cause the nasty itching. It attaches itself as a parasite to mammals such as dogs, cats, mice or humans and lives on blood and tissue fluid. You can recognise them as small red dots and by their six legs. Like all spider species, the adult mite has eight legs and is a vegetarian.

Watch out for grasses and forest edges

The autumn grass mite likes to romp around in meadows, on forest edges, in fields and in gardens. They lurk on blades of grass or plants and are stripped off their unsuspecting victims. The larva then looks for a suitable place on its host's body to suck. You will find them preferably on warm parts of the body where the skin is thin and fine. For example here:

• Between the toes
• Ear and nose area
• Groin area
• tip of the tail
• Teats

Test: Is your garden infested?

Place a white plate in the grass. If orange to red dots collect on it, your garden is a haven for autumn grass mites. To control the mites, you should mow as often as possible and dispose of the grass cuttings properly outside your garden.

Recognising symptoms

The infestation usually only lasts between 24 and 72 hours. By then, the larvae have eaten enough food, fall off and continue to develop into adult mites in the soil. Nevertheless, symptoms such as itching and allergic skin reactions can continue to appear for a long time afterwards.

If your pet scratches or even bites itself, you should definitely consult your vet. They can prescribe antipruritic and anti-inflammatory medication.

Good to know: There is no transmission from animal to animal or to humans.

Is prevention possible?

Unfortunately, there is currently no remedy that reliably keeps autumn grass mites away from your pet. However, spot-ons against ticks and fleas can offer a certain degree of protection.

Be careful with home remedies: Some tips such as garlic and tea tree oil are poisonous for cats and dogs!

When walking your dog, avoid the edges of woods and meadows with tall grass. And if you are out and about in the cooler morning and evening hours, the little pests are not as active as they are at midday.

A ray of hope: The spook is usually over by October.

Strengthen your dog's defences

A healthy and wholesome diet keeps your pet healthy and strengthens its defences. Our organic food for dogs and cats is just right for your pet - and not just from July to October.

Our recommendations for your four-legged friend:

Trial packs for dogs

Trial packs for cats