Oaks are glorious landscaping trees, and those who have had them on their property for years knows just how big they can get. Oak trees are vital assets to your property, providing natural shade and snow fencing, as well as wind mitigation benefits and a load of delightful wildlife viewing. However, if you’ve noticed that every time you sit beneath or work near your oak tree you end up with all sorts of red and itchy welts, it could be due to an unpleasant type of oak tree wildlife, known as oak mites.

Continue reading to learn more about oak mites, including what you can do to get rid of them, while protecting your oak trees.

Oak Tree Care Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518 — Oak Tree Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518

What are Oak Mites?

Oak mites are just like any other mite. They are microscopic insects that choose oak trees as their natural habitat because they like to feed on the juicy small midget fly larva that live within the bark tissue. Oftentimes, people mistakenly assume that an oak might bite is actually the result of chiggers. Oak mite bites and chigger bites tend to present the same types of symptoms, including large, itchy, red welts and bumps.

However, you can diagnose an oak mite bite from a chigger bite by simply recalling your activity near the oak trees on your property or somewhere else. Oak mites will drop from oak trees or be carried in the wind, eventually landing on you. Using you as a host, they will bite down and go to town on your skin.

Treating Oak Mite Bites

Typically, oak might bite hours later. And when they do, they will reveal themselves as red or pink bumps or welts on the surface of the skin. They also tend to burn an itch. The secret to treating Oak mite bites is to not scratch. Just like mosquito bites, the more you scratch the worse they get and the longer they take to heal. Scratching can also lead to infection.

To help abate the symptoms of itching and burning caused by oak mite bites, you can apply an antihistamine cream or anti-itch ointment throughout the day and until they heal. Cold presses may also help relieve the burning and itching sensations. You can expect oak mite bites to heal within a few days, but in worse cases or for those with sensitive skin, treatment might be less effective, and bites may take weeks to go away.

How to Prevent Oak Mite Attacks

The best way to prevent getting bitten by oak mites is to avoid getting too close to your oak trees during peak season, like spring and summer. If you must get near your oak trees, where long sleeve shirts and pants to avoid skin exposure. After being near oak trees, it is important to shower immediately and launder your clothes since oak mites will remain on your skin and clothing until you wash them off.

It is important to understand that pesticides are not effective for oak mite removal because they only affect live oak mites, not unhatched mites. A pesticide might reduce the oak mite infestation, but it will not get rid of it completely, even with multiple applications.

Looking for professional service for your oak trees and landscaping trees in Indy? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis Indiana tree services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients all through the central parts of the state.

How Big Does an Oak Tree Get?

When it comes to how big an oak tree can get, you must think about how old it can get. Oak trees can live up to 1,000 or more, but on average, live to be 200 years old. In fact, the Pechanga Great Oak Tree is considered to be the oldest in the world, coming in at a ripe age of 2,000 years. Although they live very long, they tend to max out in height, averaging between 50 and 70 feet. Branch to branch, their canopies can span as wide as 50 feet or more, and they produce an average of 2,000 acorns per year. White oaks tend to grow the tallest.

Do Oak Trees Need to Be Pruned?

All trees require a specific regiment of care, and one of the most important parts of a tree care plan is annual pruning. Pruning oak trees and removing deadwood is a very delicate task compared to pruning other deciduous trees, so it should always be performed by a trained Indianapolis tree service professional.

Are Oak Trees Susceptible to Disease?

The two most common diseases that kill Oak trees are Sudden Oak Death and Oak Wilt. Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum) is a water mold that takes down Oaks in as little as one month. Oak wilt is another lethal tree disease that is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. Additional diseases and pests that can impact an oak tree’s health include Powdery Mildew, Foamy Bark Canker (generally exclusive to California), galls, wood-boring beetles, gall wasps, and gypsy moths.

What Can I Do to Improve the Look of My Oak Trees?

The best way to get bountiful, robust, and brilliant looking oak trees is with a proper tree care plan. Trees require watering, fertilizing, mulching, sunlight, and more in order to grow strong and big. Talk to your professional tree service contractor for advice you can trust.

Do you have oak trees on your property that could use some TLC? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for oak tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential clients.

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Tag Archives: Oak tree facts

Here is Why Your Oak Trees are Giving You Itchy Bumps and Rashes

What are Oak Mites?

Treating Oak Mite Bites

How to Prevent Oak Mite Attacks

Questions and Answers About Oak Tree Care

Oak Tree Care FAQS:

How Big Does an Oak Tree Get?

What are the Common Types of Oak Trees?

Do Oak Trees Need to Be Pruned?

Are Oak Trees Susceptible to Disease?

What Can I Do to Improve the Look of My Oak Trees?