Anytime we spend any appreciable amount of time outdoors, we should be aware of the possibility of bringing home a few new friends with us, including mites. However, the great outdoors isn’t the only place we encounter mites, say lawn care experts. These microscopic bugs can be found literally everywhere.

These insects have small rounded bodies and eight legs. You aren’t likely to be able to see them, since they are almost impossible to detect with the naked eye and are much smaller than ticks. Since we have difficulty seeing them, it is unlikely that you’ll know if they’ve hitched a ride on your clothing or are lurking in your closet or even on your pets.

There are different variations of mites, including dust mites, spider mites, mange mites, sarcoptic mites, gall mites and demodex mites. Mite specialists say they receive their name based on where they live and thrive. For example, dust mites tend to live in the home where there is dust.

You may notice you have mites by the mild to severe skin irritations that follow when they interact with us or our pets. Dogs or cats may constantly dig at themselves trying to relieve the itching mites cause. Similarly, we may notice red, dry patches of skin on our bodies that constantly itch.

The best remedy, according to the lawn care specialists, is to combat mites is by cleaning and keeping up with our cleaning regimen. Wash bed sheets and pillows often and with hot water. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, being sure to get into cracks and crevices. Consider getting perimeter pest control to make sure these insects are unable to gain access to your home.