Many mites pose little, if any, danger to people, pets, or properties. Species like clover mites do not parasitize humans and prefer to live outside on patios or decks. Others consume molds, mildews, and other organic matter, meaning they do not require a blood meal to survive.
Unfortunately, there are some species of mites that do feed on the blood of humans and pets. Itch mites and scabies mites are some of the most common, as well as chicken mites, during the summer months. Others, like chiggers, feed on liquified skin cells.
Most mite bites create nothing more than an uncomfortable itch for people and pets. However, some species can spread infectious diseases, such as rickettsialpox and scrub typhus.