This mite is similar to those that attack livestock, horses, dogs and rabbits. Transmission is usually by direct contact with an infested person. Itch mites tunnel into the skin, especially on hands and wrists. Nodules burst and ooze serum, later hardening to form scabs. The skin between the fingers is often invaded.
Scratching can cause bleeding and infection of open sores.
Overlapping generations occur at two to three week intervals. These mites can cause epidemics of dermatitis during harvesting and post-harvesting operations in straw, hay or certain grains. Bites produce a rash-like dermatitis, extending over much of the body and accompanied by itching, sweating, fever, headache and even vomiting in severe cases. They are beneficial because they feed on larvae of wheat jointworm, rice and granary weevils, Angoumois grain moths and other pests. Heavy infestations have a sweet or minty odor.