[[File:harvest mite1.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Trombicula mite bites'' Tim Vickers 2008, wikimedia commons]]
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''Trombicula autumnalis'' are [[Non-Burrowing Mites|surface mites]]. They cause [[Trombiculidiasis|parasitic skin infestation]] and will parasitise any animal, including humans as they are non-species specific. The mite numbers are highest in late summer in temperate climates and are therefore constant all year in tropical regions.
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==Identification==
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The mites are bright orange in colour and hairy. They have six legs and no spiracles. They breathe through their cuticle
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==Lifecycle==
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The lifecycle of ''Trombicula autumnalis'' mites lasts around 50 to 70 days. The nymphal and adult stages are free-living in the soil. The female mites become more active in the spring and lay their eggs onto the vegetation. Only the larval stage is parasitic to the host.
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==Pathogenesis==
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The larvae insert their mouthparts into the host's skin and inject cytolytic enzymes. They then feed on partly digested host tissue causing irritation and potentially a hypersensitivity reaction.
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The Mites are mainly found on the head, ears and flanks of pets and can be found on the face and limbs of grazing animals, depending upon the host height.
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==Control==
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''Trombicula autumnalis'' mites are very difficult to control. The main method of control is to try to restrict the access of animals to 'hot-spot' areas.