The oak leaf itch mite is not new, but it’s been a decade since they last made an appearance.
Bob Bauernfeind, an insect expert at Kansas State University, said little research is available on the mites because no one knows when or where they’ll show up.
The mites fall from the leaves of oak trees and become airborne, so there is no telling how far they will spread. The mites are hard to track and incredibly irritating. One bite can leave a person with a blister.
There’s also no clear answer to avoid getting bitten by the mites. Bugspray isn’t enough to repel them. Bauernfeind said if you have been outside, you can take a shower and wash your clothes to try to wash any potential mites off.
If you are bitten by an oak mite, some calamine lotions and cortisone creams can help.
Click here to read more on KSNT’s website.
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