[Sheri B]

Can black pepper mites come from cat litter boxes or animal waste?

>Threads merged to keep all questions and advice on this subject together.<

[Catsmine]

The simple answer is yes, they can nest in animal bedding, your bedding, or just about anyplace. The problem is that the term "pepper mites" does not identify a species of mite, but a group of similar appearing mites. Several species of bird mite and some species of rat mite and some follicle mites are all described as "black pepper mites" because they have the same appearance and show up under similar conditions.

The most common problem termed "black pepper mites" is an invasion of bird mites from a nest abandoned in the Fall of the year.

Check this link to see if your situation is similar:
Bird Mite Infestation

[Sheri B]

If they do, indeed, infest the human body, how do you rid these mites/parasites from your body? I've found them in my ears, nose eyelashes, near my eyes and my mouth -- PLEASE HELP!

[Catsmine]

If they do, indeed, infest the human body, how do you rid these mites/parasites from your body? I've found them in my ears, nose eyelashes, near my eyes and my mouth -- PLEASE HELP!!

To get rid of them, you first have to figure out which kind you have. Getting some specimens to an exterminator's office or a Biology teacher's classroom to have them examined under a magnifying scope is your best way to do that.

From there you can better determine your options. To get rid of all the mites they could possibly be would require nuclear weapons. You cannot get rid of bird mites by treating for follicle mites nor can you get rid of rat mites by cleaning out old bird nests.