Save $100.00 on Your Initial Pest Service* $100 OFF
*Terms and conditions apply - call for details

Giant Red Velvet Mites

Dinothrombium Sp.
Request A Free Consultation Get Started
giant red velvet mite

What do giant red velvet mites look like?

Giant Red Velvet Mites are visible to the naked eye growing to a length of 1/2 inch.  They are covered with red, velvety fine hairs.  They have eight legs.

When are giant red velvet mites most active?

Very Active
Active
Not Active
January
Jan
February
Feb
March
Mar
April
Apr
May
May
June
Jun
July
Jul
August
Aug
September
Sep
October
Oct
November
Nov
December
Dec

Life cycle of the giant red velvet mite

Incomplete metamorphosis

Eggs are laid and young hatches emerging with six legs rather than eight.  The young will go through a series of molts reaching the adult stage and forming their fourth set of legs.

Habits of giant red velvet mites

  • Diet: Pests including termites.
  • Activity: Mainly underground, but come above ground after monsoon rains.
  • Preferred Climate: Warm, humid.
  • Defense: Coloration.
  • Cautions: Irritation can occur from the oils they release if on your skin, however, very rare to have human contact without human intent.
  • Home Invasion: Not a typical concern because they live in the soil.

Are giant red velvet mites dangerous?

Giant red velvet mites do not bite or sting however, skin can become irritated when their oils are released.

Where do giant red velvet mites nest?

Giant red velvet mites are notorious for making multiple nests in any area they settle in. Loose bedding is a common nesting site for these red mites. 

Helpful hints for giant red velvet mites

To prevent giant red velvet mite problems on your property, try implementing these prevention tips:

  • Keep other insect populations under control to minimize their food source(s). 
  • Monitor their population and if you notice eggs anywhere, make a note on whether they are increasing year over year. 
  • These red mites may develop a resistance to insecticide so talk with a local pest control specialist

Interesting facts about giant red velvet mites

In India, the oils of the giant red velvet mite are considered an aphrodisiac, therefore, they are often captured and sold in stores.

How do you get rid of giant red velvet mites?

If you’ve found giant red velvet mites or other nuisance pests infesting your yard or home, contact Northwest Exterminating today! Offering home pest control services in Phoenix and Tucson, you can count on our team of experts to eradicate pest activity!

customer for brown recluse spider control in cochise county

Testimonials

‟I bought a home, sight unseen (I trusted a VA inspector) in rural Cochise County, AZ.
After moving in I quickly discovered that the home was INFESTED with vermin and BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS!

NW Exterminating installed ‘Desert Guard’ and that took care of ALL of the vermin, and, after a few treatments of Spider Power-Dusting in my crawl space I am free of dangerous spiders!

Dave K.
Cochise County, AZ
Northwest Exterminating received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 586 reviews. 4.6 Read Google Reviews

Request Your FREE Estimate

Have questions or need help getting rid of Africanized honey bees or other pests? Simply complete the form below or give us a call!

There was a problem with your submission. Please correct the issues below

or call now
Please wait…

Northwest Exterminating Blog & News

Read the latest articles & news
mouse inside a tucson home feeding on scraps left on kitchen table
November 18, 2024

Where Do Mice Hide In A House?

As a child, you may have watched and appreciated the fights that went on between cat and mouse in…
Read More
family celebrating thanksgiving in Arizona
November 5, 2024

Tips For A Pest-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and if you’re like most people, you’re either looking…
Read More
spider crawling on tucson home
October 21, 2024

Spiders May Not Be The Problem, But A Symptom

Finding spiders (or their webs) in your home is a problem. We know that one spider in your home is…
Read More