Oak leaf itch mites have been a concern in this part of Kansas this year.

Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension Agent, said they can pop up for one or two years, and then disappear for a decade. “It’s an insect that feeds on another insect, and it just so happens that this is the time of year with the shortening days they’re basically coming off their host in the oak leaves and they fall to the ground.”

Otte stated if they land on you it will be like a chigger. “But a chigger will come in low, get you on the ankles, legs, under tight fitting clothing. These things are going to be on the chest, the neck, the shoulders under loose fitting clothing. It’s going to itch just as bad as a chigger.”

One bit of good news, is that Otte added it should be fairly short lived with the arrival of cooler weather.