Occurrence of storage mites in Finnish farming environments

Qualitative and semi-quantitative microscopic analyses were performed on the mite populations in dust samples collected from the byres and hay and grain storages of 11 farms in Eastern Finland. Storage mites were found in all farms. The mite fauna was more abundant in the byres and hay storages than in the grain storages. The most common species or genera were Acarus siro, Acarus farris, Glycyphagus domesticus, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Cheyletus eruditus, Tydeus spp., and Tarsonemus spp. The results imply that also in northern climates storage mites should be considered as possible causes of allergic disorders among farming populations.