Question
I am getting a lot of bites from invisible insects when I work in my garden. I suspect mites. Is there any way to get rid of them (an organic solution preferred if possible)? Thanks.
Jon
Mill Valley
Answer
I suspect your invisible biters may be juvenile mites known as chiggers. If you have tall weeds or grass keep them cut down. Blackberry thickets and creek sides are also well known harbors for chiggers. The juvenile mites hatch and mature beneath the soil level so applying beneficial nematodes may help eradicate them. Other hard to see bugs are small midges that bite very much like mosquitoes. Apply mosquito dunks to ponds and water features such as fountains and bird baths. Use an insect repellent on your garden clothing that contains .5% Permethrin. Yes, this is a synthetic chemical that acts like pyrethrum but it is certainly safer for you than DEET and you are spraying your clothing, not the environment.
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