Grain mite
Scientific name
Acarus siro (L.)
Classification
Secondary pest; Grain and fungal feeder
Order: Acarina
Family: Acaridae
Acronym: ACA
Description
- Mites are white and very small (less than 1 mm in length).
- Mites are soft bodied and have only a single body part.
- Nymphs have 6 legs and adults have 8 legs.
Images
Similar species
- Many species of mites, some predatory, are easily confused with grain mites.
- Some psocids are similar in size, but differ in body structure.
Commodities affected
- Flour, grain, seeds and bulbs
- Also fungi that develop on these products
Signs of infestation
- Grain dust may appear to be moving, actually mites are moving.
- Very high mite populations cause a sweet odour.
Damage
- Germ of grain is often completely destroyed
- Food may be rendered unusable for consumption
How to control
Geographic range
- Is found worldwide and across Canada
Life history
- Females may lay up to 250 eggs in a month.
- Some mites may also enter a highly resistant, non-feeding resting stage known as a hypopus.
- Mites thrive in high humidity conditions.
- Mites mainly feed on the germ.
- Mites can subsist on organic debris in cracks, crevices and corners of storage areas.
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